busójárás

Busójárás is an annual folk festival celebrated in Mohács, a town in southern Hungary, traditionally marking the end of the winter season and the arrival of spring. The event takes place on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, starting in the evening and continuing into the early hours of the next morning. It is one of Hungary’s most elaborate and oldest carnival traditions, with roots that trace back to the 17th century when the town's inhabitants defended against Ottoman invaders.

Participants, called Buses (singular: Busa), dress in distinctive costumes that combine a mixture of folk and medieval elements. They wear thick wooden masks, oversized hats, cloaks, and wear metal clashing heels on their shoes. Their masks, often carved from wood or ceramic, depict fierce beasts or grotesque figures designed to ward off evil spirits and invite health and prosperity. Buses parade through the streets, drumming or playing wooden instruments called “koszorú” and often spitting rice or other tokens of good luck. When they encounter a house, they may play a game of “hit the door” or “kicking the door,” receiving coins or sweets in return.

The festival is organized by a committee of local volunteers who manage logistics, safety, and the coordination of the parade routes. Official and friendly competition between the Buses’ groups is encouraged, with prizes awarded for best costumes, most spirited performances, and other categories. The festivities culminate with communal feasting, music, and dancing that foster a strong sense of community.

Busójárás was recognised by UNESCO in 2014 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, ensuring the tradition’s preservation and promoting cultural tourism. The event attracts visitors from across Hungary and neighbouring countries, who witness a vibrant display of history, folklore, and collective identity.