Hungary Public Holidays
Hungary Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Hungary? All public holidays in Hungary are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Hungary employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Hungary and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Hungary celebrates a variety of public holidays, each of which has deep cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are marked with nationwide observances, public ceremonies, and family gatherings. They offer an opportunity to reflect on Hungary’s past, celebrate its cultural heritage, and honor its traditions. The following is a detailed list of public holidays in Hungary, organized by type and significance, including their description, observance, and how they are celebrated.
1. New Year’s Day (Újév Napja) – January 1
Description
New Year’s Day in Hungary is a time to celebrate the beginning of the new year and reflect on the past year. It is marked by family gatherings, festive meals, and various cultural events. The holiday marks the first day of the year and is a moment for Hungarians to set resolutions and look forward to what the coming year holds.
Observance
New Year’s Day is observed across the country, and it is a public holiday for all citizens. The day is generally quiet, with most businesses and government offices closed. People often spend the day with family, participating in traditional Hungarian customs like preparing special meals, enjoying fireworks, and attending church services. It is a day of rest for most, with minimal public activity.
2. National Day (Nemzeti Ünnep) – March 15
Description
March 15 marks Hungary’s National Day, commemorating the 1848 Revolution, which was part of a series of European uprisings against autocratic rule. The revolution in Hungary sought to end Habsburg domination and introduce democratic reforms. Although the revolution was suppressed, it remains an important symbol of Hungarian independence and the fight for national sovereignty.
Observance
National Day is a significant public holiday in Hungary, and it is celebrated with patriotic displays, ceremonies, and events throughout the country. There are national and local commemorations, with speeches by politicians and leaders. The holiday is marked by concerts, parades, and cultural activities, particularly in Budapest. Schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed, making it a day for families and communities to come together.
3. Good Friday (Nagypéntek) – Date Varies
Description
Good Friday is observed by Christians worldwide as a day of mourning, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day in Hungary, marked by religious services, prayers, and rituals. It is part of the larger Holy Week celebrations, which include the events leading up to Easter Sunday.
Observance
Good Friday is a public holiday in Hungary, primarily for Christians. It is a day of reflection, and many people attend church services or participate in religious processions. The day is quieter than other public holidays, with most businesses and government offices closed. Some essential services may operate on a reduced schedule.
4. Easter Sunday (Húsvét Vasárnap) – Date Varies
Description
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, marking the end of the Passion of Christ and the beginning of new life. It is one of the most significant Christian holidays and is widely celebrated in Hungary with religious observances, family gatherings, and various local customs.
Observance
Easter Sunday is a public holiday in Hungary, with a focus on religious observance. Families gather to celebrate, and many attend church services to mark the occasion. The holiday also involves the tradition of Easter Monday, when many people celebrate with family outings and picnics. Schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed for both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
5. Labour Day (Munka Ünnepe) – May 1
Description
Labour Day, or “Munka Ünnepe,” is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers and advocating for workers’ rights. Originally a socialist and communist holiday, Labour Day in Hungary is celebrated by political groups, trade unions, and workers. It is a day to reflect on the importance of labor, fair wages, and improved working conditions.
Observance
Labour Day is a public holiday in Hungary, and it is marked by parades, demonstrations, and political speeches. Workers’ rights organizations often organize marches and events, and the day is used to advocate for social and economic change. Many people spend the day attending these events or resting at home, as schools, government offices, and businesses are closed.
6. Pentecost (Pünkösd) – Date Varies
Description
Pentecost is a Christian holiday that marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and followers of Jesus Christ. It occurs fifty days after Easter and is an important feast day in the Christian liturgical calendar. In Hungary, Pentecost is celebrated with religious observances and community activities.
Observance
Pentecost is a public holiday in Hungary, though its observance varies. Many Hungarians attend church services to mark the occasion, and the holiday is a time for families to gather and reflect. It is not as widely celebrated as other major holidays like Christmas or Easter, but it is still an important day for religious communities. Government offices and schools are closed, but businesses may operate as usual.
7. Saint Stephen’s Day (Szent István Napja) – August 20
Description
Saint Stephen’s Day is one of the most significant holidays in Hungary, commemorating the founding of the Christian Kingdom of Hungary. The holiday celebrates the life of Saint Stephen, the first King of Hungary, who is credited with establishing Christianity as the state religion and promoting the unity of the Hungarian people.
Observance
Saint Stephen’s Day is a major national holiday, celebrated with parades, concerts, and fireworks, especially in Budapest. The day features a large procession, where a statue of Saint Stephen is paraded through the streets, followed by festive events that showcase Hungarian music, culture, and heritage. It is also a day of reflection on Hungary’s history and traditions. Schools, government offices, and businesses are typically closed.
8. Republic Day (A Köztársaság Napja) – October 23
Description
Republic Day is celebrated to commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the founding of the Hungarian Republic in 1989. The 1956 revolution was a national uprising against Soviet-imposed policies, and it is remembered as an important event in Hungary’s fight for independence and democracy. The founding of the republic marks the end of communism in Hungary.
Observance
Republic Day is a national holiday in Hungary, observed with various commemorative events and activities. The day includes a formal ceremony at the Parliament, as well as a national address by the president. There are also cultural exhibitions and public gatherings to remember the events of the 1956 revolution. Schools, government offices, and businesses are closed, and the holiday is marked by national pride and patriotism.
9. Christmas Day (Karácsony) – December 25
Description
Christmas Day is one of the most cherished holidays in Hungary, celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is a time for family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. Hungarians celebrate Christmas with a mix of religious observances and traditional customs, including the decoration of Christmas trees and the exchange of gifts.
Observance
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Hungary, and it is celebrated with family gatherings, religious services, and feasts. Many Hungarians attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day itself is typically spent with family, enjoying meals like roast meats and traditional desserts such as bejgli (a Hungarian pastry). Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on Christmas Day.
10. Boxing Day (Karácsony másnapja) – December 26
Description
Boxing Day, or “Karácsony másnapja,” is celebrated the day after Christmas. It is a continuation of the Christmas festivities and often involves visiting family, resting, or enjoying leftovers from the Christmas meal. The day is also used to relax and spend time with loved ones after the busy Christmas celebrations.
Observance
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Hungary, and many people spend the day with their families or visit friends. Although it is not as widely celebrated as Christmas, it is still a time to continue the holiday spirit. Most businesses and government offices are closed, and people often enjoy the day off to relax or attend church services.
Table: Public Holidays in Hungary and Observance
| Holiday | Date | Observed By | Public Sector | Private Sector | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| National Day | March 15 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Good Friday | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Easter Sunday | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Pentecost | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Saint Stephen’s Day | August 20 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Republic Day | October 23 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
