# Hungarian state foundation celebrations and procurement news > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hungarian-state-foundation-celebrations > Updated: 2026-08-20T20:40:20.000Z. Sources: 54. Developments: 4. Hungary observed its national foundation day and the feast of Saint Stephen with various ceremonies across the country. In Budapest, festivities included flag-raising, military honors, and an aerial parade featuring JAS 39 Gripens. President András Baka presented state awards, while Prime Minister Péter Magyar marked the first 100 days of his government, highlighting budget deficit reductions and the release of EU funds. Magyar also announced a nationwide tour of fifteen cities to engage with citizens ahead of municipal elections. In Balassagyarmat, celebrations included the traditional blessing of new bread. During these events, Balázs Csáki, the Nógrád county president of the National Agricultural Chamber, noted that farmers are facing significant challenges due to a severe summer drought, with the region receiving only about half of its required rainfall. President Baka also addressed the role of public media during his remarks, emphasizing its responsibility to the citizenry. He stated, “Public media cannot lie. Let this be more than just a simple sentence,” arguing that the institution must respect the freedom and judgment of citizens rather than serving those in power. Despite the celebrations, the government faces scrutiny over a procurement scandal. Reports indicate that Hardrock, the company awarded a net contract of approximately 3.085 billion HUF for the drone and light show over the Danube, may have been in discussions regarding the project prior to the official tender commencement on July 7. This controversy poses a challenge to the Tisza Party’s stated commitment to transparency and the elimination of political patronage networks. ## Claims - Péter Magyar expressed pride in the Tisza Party community during a closed meeting at Margit Island. (corroborated by 3 sources) - President András Baka recognized individuals for outstanding achievements in science, culture, and defense during state award ceremonies. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Péter Magyar promised increased community involvement and a purge of those harming the community. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Tisza Party is beginning preparations for municipal elections. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Péter Magyar announced a nationwide tour starting at the end of August, visiting 15 cities. (corroborated by 2 sources) - An investigation by G7 alleged that Hardrock was discussing the Budapest drone show project before the official tender began on July 7. (single source) - Hardrock secured a net contract of approximately 3.085 billion HUF to organize the Budapest drone show. (single source) - Prime Minister Péter Magyar emphasized the need for a strong, modern army during the August 20 national celebrations. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Hungary celebrates national foundation day and St. Stephen Hungary marked its August 20th national holiday with traditional ceremonies and speeches. President András Baka emphasized the necessity of honest public media during his address. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-celebrates-national-foundation-day-and-st-stephen ### 2026-08-19: Hungary celebrates St. Stephen's Day amid procurement scandal Hungary celebrated St. Stephen's Day with state awards and military honors, but the events were marred by a procurement scandal involving a Budapest drone show contract and allegations of pre-tender discussions 43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-celebrates-state-foundation-day-and-saint-stephens-day ### 2026-08-17: Hungary celebrates Saint Stephen's Day and New Bread traditions August 20 celebrations in Hungary and surrounding regions honor the state's foundation and the tradition of the New Bread through religious services, cultural festivals, and community gatherings. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/budapest-celebrates-traditional-new-bread-ceremony ### 2026-08-14: Székesfehérvár hosts Royal Days to honor Hungarian state foundation Hungary celebrates its state foundation and the legacy of Saint Stephen through the Royal Days of Székesfehérvár and the August 20 national holiday, featuring religious processions and cultural festivals. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/szkesfehrvr-hosts-royal-days-to-honor-hungarian-state-foundation --- Cite as: Hungarian state foundation celebrations and procurement news. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hungarian-state-foundation-celebrations