Dear International Family,
Perhaps one of the most unique tradition in Hungary is the BUSÓJÁRÁS, an annual festival in Mohács - a town located in southern Hungary - intended to scare away the demons of winter. It’s so original, in fact, that it’s even registered by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
These festivals are held in late February to mark the end of winter. The event begins the Friday before Ash Wednesday and lasts for six days. There are a number of key points to the festivities, from music to parades and, of course, copious amounts of food.
The festival is named 'BUSÓ' in acknowledgement of the awesome-looking costumed men wearing wooden masks and large sheepskin coats. According to legend, the roots of the festival date back to the Battle of Mohács in 1526, when villagers dressed up as fearsome monsters to frighten away the occupying forces.
If you’re planning to head to Mohács to enjoy the festival as an uninvolved bystander, think again: it’s almost impossible to attend Busójárás without becoming a part of it yourself. From being doused in flour to being offered a drink by a Busó, a trip to the festival means a trip to participate!
More details are coming soon, so stay tuned and watch our social channels!
Let's scare away the winter together!
Puszi,
ESN Szeged
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