Every year on August 20, Hungary celebrates the foundation of its state on Saint Stephen’s (Szent István) Day. Szekszárd comes alive with a full lineup of programs spanning two days, blending religious tradition, folk culture, and modern entertainment—all in the charming heart of the town.
From Blessing the Bread to Live Concerts
The celebrations begin bright and early at 8:45 AM on August 20 in the downtown Roman Catholic Church with the festive blessing of bread and a mass, honoring Hungary’s founding king and the nation’s centuries-old traditions. At 10:00 AM, the festivities move to King Béla Square (Béla Király tér) and the Mihály Babits Cultural Center (Babits Mihály Kulturális Központ), where a parade takes over the town. Folk dancers from the Bartina Folk Dance Association (Bartina Néptánc Egyesület), musicians from the Csurgó band, the Bukovina Székely Association (Bukovinai Székelyek Egyesülete), and other local groups join the colorful procession.
Inside the Mihály Babits Cultural Center at 10:30, there is a ceremonial assembly, followed by a solemn wreath-laying at the Saint Stephen (Szent István) statue at 1 PM. As dusk falls, King Béla Square becomes the main stage: at 6 PM, the Szentegyháza Children’s Philharmonic (Szentegyházi Gyermekfilharmónia) from Transylvania performs under the baton of Sándor Haáz. By 7:30 PM, the Eurodance Dance Theater (Eurodance Táncszínház) brings to life a dance version of Stephen, the King (István, a király)—the legendary Hungarian rock opera—directed and choreographed by Attila Rovó. At 8 PM, renowned Hungarian musician Tamás Hevesi takes the stage for a live open-air concert with friends, drawing crowds for a night of singing and dancing.
Folkdance, Theater, and More on Day Two
The festivities continue into the evening of August 21. The Csurgó band hosts a táncház (folk dance party) at 7 PM in the cultural center’s event hall, recreating the old village gatherings of the region. Meanwhile, the main theater hosts Laura Topolcsányi’s play “Bucket List” (Bakancslista), performed in two parts by the Ida Turay Theatre (Turay Ida Színház). The play is staged with support from the Déryné Program, offering laughs and drama for the whole family.
Stay in the Heart of Hungarian Wine Country
Szekszárd, surrounded by rolling hills blanketed in vineyards, is a paradise for wine lovers, and the festival atmosphere spills over into excellent local accommodations. Attila Estate (Attila Birtok), spread over 35 acres in the Baranya Valley (Baranya-völgy), processes Kékfrankos, Kadarka, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zweigelt grapes—a taste of Hungary in every glass, best enjoyed with panoramic views.
Hotel Merops****, Szekszárd’s premium wine hotel, sits just steps from the city center and the Mészáros Winery (Mészáros Borház), providing a quiet, elegant retreat after a day of celebration. Their staff customizes services for both those seeking peace and those looking for adventure. The Main Street Bistro (Fő utcai Bisztró) inside Nádasdi House (Nádasdi-ház) treats visitors to hearty, modernized Hungarian cuisine paired with local wines; tastings and culinary events are held throughout the season.
Families and groups can enjoy wine tastings (borkóstoló) and gatherings in the cellars of Sárosdi Cellar (Sárosdi Pince), which offers private spaces for up to 50 people and pairs their wines with cheese plates, pastries, rustic platters, or full hot meals. Sió Motel welcomes guests at the northern gateway of the town, nestled by the edge of the famous Gemenc Forest (Gemenc erdő) and the Sárköz region.
Boutique Wineries, Craft Beer, and Great Eats
The wine culture here runs deep. The Alisca Wine Order (Alisca Borrend), founded in 1988, works to spread awareness of this historic wine region, introducing visitors to the diversity of local grape varieties. At Bodri Winery (Bodri Pincészet), guests can explore a sprawling 247-acre estate with a large winery, event center, guesthouses, and an underground Roman bath with thermal water. Chef Norbert Makk puts his own twist on classic Hungarian dishes at Bodri’s Optimus Restaurant, thoughtfully pairing each menu with the estate’s wines.
Borfaragó Cellar (Borfaragó Pince) stands out in the old upper town; once a carpenter’s and woodcarver’s workshop, it now hosts tastings of handcrafted wines, surrounded by beautifully carved wooden folk art. Eszterbauer Family Winery (Eszterbauer Borászat), with Swabian and Serbian roots, welcomes groups of 8 to 50 people for personalized tastings and dinners hosted by the family themselves; their award-winning bottles are available in their online shop.
At every turn, Szekszárd’s winemakers pride themselves on preserving the unique taste of the local terroir in grapes like Kékfrankos and Kadarka, while also experimenting with blends using Merlot, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir. Most work only with their own grapes, forgoing industrial additives and focusing on purity.
Experience Tradition With Modern Flair
Whether you’re feasting on modern Hungarian dishes, swirling a glass of fiery red Kékfrankos, or dancing with locals, Saint Stephen’s Day in Szekszárd offers a rich slice of Hungarian tradition—served up with local flavor, friendly faces, and just a splash of wine. And, of course, the organizers reserve the right to adjust the schedule, keeping things fresh every year.
