St. Stephen’s Day (Szent István Day), celebrated every August 20, is more than just a national holiday in Hungary—it’s a major event at the Ópusztaszer National Historical Heritage Park (Ópusztaszeri Nemzeti Történeti Emlékpark). The festivities pay tribute to the country’s first king, with a vibrant lineup of programs for all ages, from the youngest visitors to adults looking for a nostalgic day out.
Festivities for Every Taste
The activities run from morning until late afternoon. From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, explore Hungary’s herbal heritage at the Szeri Herb House and Garden (Szeri Gyógynövényház és kert), where you can enjoy freshly brewed teas while learning about medicinal plants. Bread lovers can watch outdoor “kemencés” (clay oven) baking from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and sample rustic breads and pastries made using traditional recipes.
Kids and the young-at-heart are not forgotten—between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, you can try your hand at simple, classic folk games and crafts in the open-air museum area (skanzen). At 1:00 PM, learn about the iconic “windmill” (szélmalom) culture of southern Hungary through a live demonstration. Folk woodcarver Lajos Elekes will demonstrate traditional carving from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and talk about pastoral life and Hungarian heritage.
A True Rural Retreat
If you want to stay longer, Forest Guesthouses—including the Wellness and Family Guesthouses—offer comfortable rooms and apartments right by the forest. Free parking is included, and the Steam Buffet (Gőzös Büfé), operating from April to October, provides classic Hungarian snacks. Coffee and drinks await at the Szeri Café in the visitor center, where you can use SZÉP or Erzsébet cards to pay. Organizers reserve the right to change program details.
