farsangos

Farsangos is a Hungarian term referring to the period of carnival that takes place before the Lenten season. It is a time of celebration, feasting, and masquerading, traditionally occurring between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. The exact start and end dates vary each year with the date of Easter. Farsang is characterized by various folk customs, many of which aim to ward off winter and welcome spring.

Common traditions include parades of costumed individuals, often wearing elaborate masks and outfits. These parades might feature figures like the "busó," a traditional character from Mohács known for his frightening wooden mask and sheepskin costume, intended to scare away winter spirits. Music, dancing, and feasting are central to the celebrations, with special foods like fánk (a type of doughnut) and kolbász (sausage) being popular. Children often participate in "farsang farka" (the tail of the farsang) events, which mark the end of the carnival season. The celebrations culminate on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which signifies the beginning of the solemn period of Lent.