Busójárás

Busójárás is a six-day annual carnival held in Mohács, Hungary, by the Šokci community at the end of the Carnival season, finishing on Shrove Tuesday. The festival features masked figures called Busós, folk music, parades, and dancing, and is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

• Busójárás lasts six days, ending on Shrove Tuesday
• Busós wear carved wooden masks and sheepskin cloaks
• Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage
• Features folk music, parades, and masquerade balls
• Guest Busó teams join from Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Poland

What it is

Busójárás is a vibrant, centuries-old carnival celebrated by the Šokci people of Mohács, Hungary. Marking the end of winter and the Carnival season, it is best known for its Busós—locals dressed in carved wooden masks and sheepskin cloaks—who parade through the streets making noise and mischief. The festival is a lively expression of community identity, blending folklore, music, and masquerade. For the people of Mohács, Busójárás is both a joyful farewell to winter and a cherished tradition that brings together families, friends, and visitors.

Where it comes from

The roots of Busójárás are woven from legend and history. The most popular local story tells of townspeople who, during Ottoman rule, fled Mohács and hid in nearby swamps. Guided by a mysterious old man and a masked knight, they crafted frightening masks and weapons, returning to the town on a stormy night to scare away the occupying Turks, who believed they were attacked by demons. Another, older tale says the Busós frighten away winter itself. Regardless of which legend is told, the festival has been celebrated in early February for generations, welcoming guest Busó teams from Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Poland.

How it is celebrated

The festivities span six days, beginning on Thursday and culminating on Shrove Tuesday. Each day brings its own rhythm: Friday is Kisfarsang (Little Farsang), while Sunday—Farsang Sunday—is the highlight, with the largest parade and gatherings. The Busós, wearing their iconic wooden masks and woolly cloaks, roam the streets, clattering wooden noisemakers, and playfully interacting with the crowds. Folk music, dancing, and masquerade balls fill the town, and the celebration ends with the symbolic 'Burial of Farsang,' marking the close of Carnival. The atmosphere is lively and communal, with locals and visiting Busó teams joining in the revelry.

Joining in

Visitors to Mohács during Busójárás can expect a welcoming, festive atmosphere. The main celebrations unfold in the town’s streets and squares, where parades, music, and dancing are open to all. Watching the Busós in their traditional costumes is a unique experience, and guests are encouraged to join the dances and sample local food. The event draws participants and spectators from Hungary and neighboring countries, making it a lively, multicultural gathering.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Busójárás, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Busójárás on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural HeritageArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.