Busójárás in Mohács – A Hungarian tradition celebrating the coming of spring

Busójárás, the most famous traditional festival of Mohács, impresses visitors every year with its colourful masquerades, loud music and special ceremonies. The festival has centuries-old history and its focus is on the preservation of traditions.  If you’re planning to travel with a group, hiring a coach is the ideal way to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

History of Busójárás

Busójárás takes place every year in February, during the carnival season, and is timed according to the first full moon after the spring solstice. The busó, who are the main characters of the festival, appear in fur coats, old costumes and masks on their faces. In addition to the busó, other important participants are the jankels. Their task is to keep the spectators, especially young children, away from the busó. Their costume is made of rags and they have a sack, which used to be filled with ashes and flour, but is now filled with rags and sawdust.

The purpose of the festival is to ward off winter, welcome spring and ensure abundance and a good harvest. Although it has no real historical basis, the origin of the tradition in Mohács is explained by the legend of the Turkish exile.

The symbolic meaning of busójárás

The ritual of busójárás has a deep symbolic meaning. The masks of the busó, often decorated with frightening facial features and animal shapes, are intended to protect the wearer from encounters with evil spirits and to promote the renewal of nature. Dances around the fire, melodious folk music and rituals all reinforce this symbolism.

Programs of busójárás

In addition to the typical ceremonies and processions, busójárás offers a wide variety of activities for locals and visitors from other parts of the country and abroad to enjoy. We have gathered the most important ones:

Procession – https://www.mohacsibusojaras.hu/

1. Busó procession

The most important and best-known event of busoójárás is the busó procession. During the parade, the busó, wearing fur coats and masks, parade through the main streets of Mohács. Local bands and dance groups also participate at the parade. Some groups of busó play traditional Hungarian folk music while dancing. The atmospheric folk music performances usually take place in the main square or at the venue of the events.

2. Busó- and local handicraft market

Busójárás is not only about traditional events, but also about markets. Authentic craft fairs are an integral part of the festival, where visitors can buy local products and handicraft goods. Here you will find busó masks, wooden objects, local food and drink.

3. Programs for kids and families

Busójárás also offers plenty of fun activities for children. There are also a variety of crafts activities, fairytale performances and games for children. Little busó can also put on their own masks and join in the parades.

4. Culinary experiences

At the festival you can taste a variety of local food and drinks, the most famous of which are the stuffed cabbage and the busó soup. In addition to the delicious food, you can also discover the local wineries and have a real gastronomic adventure.

5. Closing ceremony: welcoming spring

One of the most exciting parts of busójárás are the winter rituals, which are linked to local beliefs and ancient customs. The busó light a huge fire, stand around it and perform rituals aimed to ward off winter and ensure a good harvest for the coming year.

Warding off winter – https://www.mohacsibusojaras.hu/

Busójárás is an ancient tradition that has protected communities for centuries and celebrates the arrival of spring. A wide range of activities ensures that everyone can find the most exciting activities for them, while celebrating the end of winter together. For groups, bus hire is available to ensure that they can enjoy every moment of the festival in comfort and safety. Also have a look at our new blog post about the top 3 winter carnivals!