The story begins with St. Stephen – the first state founder and Hungarian king. After he died in 1038, St. Stephen became the first canonized saint. His reign marked an era of transformation in Hungary as the people converted to Christianity under his leadership; he believed it would strengthen Hungarian identity and pride. For these reasons and more, St. Stephen is considered the founder of Hungary.
Besides national pride, the day also has religious significance. Since St. Stephen was both a political leader and a canonized saint, Catholics in Hungary organize various masses to celebrate Hungary’s first patron saint.
The date also marks the beginning of the festival of the New Bread. Festivities typically involve blessing, baking, and slicing a fresh loaf of bread. The ceremony is wildly popular across Hungary and even in nearby Transylvania.
Hungary–Pakistan relations are foreign relations between Hungary and Pakistan. Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 26, 1965. Since 1970, Hungary has an embassy in Islamabad and an honorary consulate in Karachi. Pakistan has an embassy in Budapest.
