Flower carnival and holiday of saint Istvan in Hungary
This day, people fete the first king of Hungary and the patron saint – Istvan (Stephan) the First. Istvan I was the initial governor of Hungary, he was encrowned on the 20-th of August, 1000. King Istvan I ruled with wisdom and justice, he was kind and generous. He layed the basis for independent Christian state within the territory of Hungary. Istvan I was sainted at dictation of the Pope George.
The saint Istvan became the favourite of Hungarians, they prayed to him for protection of their families and country. Even now celebrations of Saint Istvan day in Hungary open with grand marches, callithumps, concert bands, and colourful fireworks.
Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary, is situated in 220 km eastward from Budapest. Nowadays Debrecen organises many glorious and fascinating holidays, and the most prominent one is considered to be a flower carnival.
It has been lasting during a week – this festival has been taking place for about 100 years, and at final ceremony in the Day of saint Istvan, national Hungarian holiday, nearly half a million guests arrive. Afterwards days full of performance of famous musicians and bands from Hungary and other countries give way to the most inimitable entertainment, the parade of flower float. It happens all over the town to a tune of marching bands.
It is thought that one floral design needs one million flowers – and, indeed, craftsmen create colorable pictures excellently.
In the streets there are high spirits and noisy rort: hawkers crowd at the city square, offering cakes and souvenirs. For a song you may find way to the stadium to look at the parade's end – the holiday of National dance. The festival comes to an end on good terms – with the musical performance and firework.
