We are getting ready for the celebration of the state foundation with four-day range of programs

Between August 17th and 20th, we organize the St. Stephen Days in Esztergom, so this year, contrary to tradition, we can choose from colorful and exciting programs in Hungary’s first city for 4 days instead of 3. The location for the programs is the Elizabeth Park again this year, where we welcome everybody with two stages, a gastropub, a craft fair and garden cinema.

This year, we are paying special attention to families. On the small stage, the Hungarian Folk Theater, the Kabóca Puppet Theater and the Csillangó Meseműhely entertain the children with a fairy tale and an interactive performance. We also organize a large-scale craft fair, where you can buy the products of local and regional masters. Here, we also organize handicraft master-classes for all four days, so that children and adults can learn about crafts such as crocheting or soap making.

Regarding the musical line-up, this year on the small stage we will pupm up the festive atmosphere with smaller performances and street musicians, while on the main stage you can watch and listen to full concerts. Among others, Tibor Kerle, Gábor Zöld, Blanka Temesi and Péter Flamisch will perform on the small stage, as well as the folklore show of the two-man Late Beggars and the Esztergom Dance Group. On the main stage, we can welcome Filip Gyuri and Friends, the Kiss Kata Band, Grappa Jazz, the 30 musicians of the 100 Members Gypsy Band, as well as the Gabriella Berkes and the Rátonyi Róbert Trio.

On Monday, August 19, at 9:00 p.m., the rock opera “Stephen, the King”, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, is coming to the Esztergom St. Stephen’s Days in the form of a concert directed by Pál Feke. In addition to Pál Feke, Attila Dolhai, Andrea Malek and Zoltán Miller will perform in the production created by Crescendo Music Management, with unique visuals, technical solutions, stage and set elements, and pyrotechnic effects. The production, featuring numerous innovations, provided the creative team with new challenges. According to Pál Feke, the producer and the director must keep an eye on everything, including everything from the development of the musical concept to the lighting technology. The goal of the piece was to sound rocky and cathartic, respecting the original concept and instrumentation. On the one hand, the viewers living in  XXI century, they see a spectacular concert from the 19th century, and on the other hand, with their eyes closed, they can experience all the important musical and intellectual values ​​that the authors dreamed up.

On Tuesday, August 20, at 8:30 p.m., the 17-member Budapest Jazz Orchestra led by Gábor Kollmann and Bálint Gájer will give a joint grand concert at the Saint Stephen’s Day in Esztergom. In the direction of its dynamic development, the Budapest Jazz Orchestra has grown to become a world-renowned representative of contemporary music. In addition to the cultivation of jazz and big band music, their mission is to nurture the relationship with the roots of the genre, to make its values ​​public, and to pass on their professional experience to the younger generation of musicians. And Bálint Gájer, “the prince of swing”, makes everyone dance with his music. He has such stage experience behind that competes with the biggest performers. His talent is alive not only by his fans, but also by the awards of the profession, which he can claim despite his young age and career.

At this year’s event as well, a wide selection of drinks and food awaits us in the gastronomic courtyard created in Elizabeth Park. What’s more, the garden cinema is also located here, where you can watch classic Hungarian movies – from the 90s to the present day – such as Meseautó (Magic Car) or Üvegtigris 2 (Glass Tiger 2) on a huge LED screen.

Getting to the venue is provided by electric minibuses from the train station and the Green Parking, which run according to the schedule and can be used for free during the four days. The schedule of the Esztergom Saint Stephen Days programs is available by CLICKING HERE!