When is Hungarian Revolution Day?

The holiday known as Hungarian Revolution Day is always celebrated on March 15th. It is recognized as both the Revolution and Independence Day and the National Day of Hungary. This anniversary marks the beginning of the 1848 Revolution against the Austrian Empire. It is considered one of the three major national holidays in Hungary, with the other two observed on October 23rd and August 20th. Every year, Hungarians reflect on this day to honor their struggle for freedom and national pride.

Is the Independence Day of Hungary a Public Holiday

Hungary observes another significant national holiday on August 20th, widely celebrated as St. Stephen’s Day or National Day. It commemorates the foundation of the Hungarian state and honors its first king, St. Stephen. This event also holds deep meaning as a religious holiday in the Catholic Church. The day is marked by fireworks, parades, and public celebrations across the nation. Banks, schools, and government offices remain closed, allowing people to participate fully. At the same time, convenience stores and small shops may stay open for basic needs, keeping the atmosphere festive and community-centered.

History of Hungarian Revolution Day

Hungary had been part of the Austrian Empire during the nineteenth century, though it functioned almost as a separate country, sharing only a common monarch. The revolution of 1848 was sparked by national discontent over taxation, along with demands for freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and an independent parliament. Inspired by revolutions across Europe, Hungarians sought true independence.

On March 15th, 1848, the poet Sandor Petőfi and his fellow patriots gathered at the Hungarian National Museum. They recited the Nemzeti dal, or National Song, declaring the 12 Points of the Pest Revolution, a list of demands for democratic rights. This document is considered one of the most important texts in the nation’s history. By the afternoon, thousands joined the movement, launching what became the Hungarian Revolution.

Although the war for independence ended in defeat in October 1849, the spirit of freedom never disappeared. The Hungarian revolutionaries’ struggle remains remembered as a defining moment in national history. Today, the day serves as a festive reminder of resilience, with events often tracked by a festive counter or a symbolic countdown leading up to March 15th celebrations. These traditions not only honor the past but also connect citizens emotionally to their heritage.

Capital of Hungary

Budapest is the capital and most populous city of Hungary. Known as the primate city, it is home to 1.7 million inhabitants, while the surrounding metro area holds about 3.3 million people. Representing one-third of the country’s population, Budapest generates over 40% of the nation’s economic output. It stands as the political, cultural, and economic center of Hungary, ranking among the ten largest cities in the European Union and the second-largest urban area in Central and Eastern Europe. The city lies beautifully on the River Danube, positioned in the heart of the Pannonian Basin, bridging Transdanubia with the Great Plain.

Budapest is recognized as a global city, with a GDP surpassing $100 billion, and is praised as a cultural capital and one of the most liveable cities worldwide. Home to prestigious universities such as Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest University of Technology, MATE, and Semmelweis University, it thrives as an educational hub. International organizations including UN agencies, the WHO Budapest Centre, IOM, and EU headquarters like EIT and CEPOL operate from the city, highlighting its global importance.

The history of Budapest is rich, beginning with a Celtic settlement and later transformed by the Romans into Aquincum, capital of Lower Pannonia. Over centuries, it faced Mongol invasions in 1241, Ottoman rule after the siege of Buda in 1541, and finally entered prosperity after its reconquest in 1686. The unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda in 1873 marked the birth of modern Budapest, later becoming co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Today, the historic center along the Danube is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring landmarks such as Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament, State Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Known as the spa capital of Europe, the city boasts over 100 geothermal springs and the largest thermal water cave system. Visitors enjoy museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, vibrant nightlife with ruin bars, and global sporting events at Puskás Aréna. With millions of international visitors annually, Budapest remains one of the top destinations in Europe.