Date/Time
Date(s) - 2014-03-01 - 2014-03-04
All Day
Location
Mohács terei
Category(ies)
The Busó Carnival
27 February – 4 March 2014.
Mohács, Hungary
A fascinating end-of-winter custom, a must see you will always remember!
Join the festive events, be part of something unique to Hungary!
During the carnival period the busos of Mohács, wearing a wooden mask carved from willow and a sheepskin cloak with the fur turned outside transform the town into a merrily loud, hustling and bustling place. They roam the streets with their indispensable clappers and cowbells, horns and beaters, friendly „annoying” or gently „frightening” passers-by, bringing the festive mood into town.
The programme of events reaches its peak on „Farsang” Sunday. Early afternoon the busos from all parts of town – even from across the Danube – gather at Kolo Sq. and from here a spectacular and noisy parade makes its way through the town to the main square. Unique home-made vehicles, horse-drawn rolling wheels and carts, the traditonal Devil’s Wheel and an amazing variety of other fantasy cars are also part of the breathtaking procession.
In the main square the busos initiate the selected novice buso, then perform a dance on the river bank and set afloat the coffin symbolizing winter.
In the evening a giant straw dummy is burned on a bonfire, accompanied by the dance of the busos and the members of the audience. The day is concluded by the Sokac Ball.
Immerse yourself in the carnival, witness stunning floats parading, folk groups dancing, tasty local cuisine wafting through the streets! Enjoy live folk music, take your pick from the amazing array of artisan products of the arts&crafts market, and get acquainted with the traditions of buso mask carving! Come and spend an extraordinary day in Mohács – the home of the busos!
Programme of events – 2 March 2014, Sunday
9:00- Arts&Crafts Market – throughout the day
Venue: streets of Mohács town centre
10:00-17:00 Open studio
While marveling at the buso masks made by Antal Englert Folk Artist, Gábor Lukács and his son, you can find out more about the craftsmanship of buso mask carving (a ticketed event).
Venue: 7/a. Kígyó St. (showroom)
10:00 „In the footsteps of our ancestors”
Culinary journey lead by buso groups
Venue: Buso Yard
10:00 Folk dance with the participation of various folk dance groups from Croatia and Hungary
Venue: Kossuth Cinema
10:30 Sokac dance house
Music: Poklade
Venue: Széchenyi Sq.
11:00 Bagpipe concert at the Buso Yard
12:30 Busos crossing the Danube by boat
Venue: „Sokac dock”
14:00 Busos and carnival groups gathering in Koló Sq.
14:20 Busó Parade leaves for Széchenyi Sq.
15:30 Initiation of the selected novice buso
Carnival – dance and music with public participation
Venue: Széchenyi Sq., Szabadság St. and Dózsa Gy. St.
16:00 Bagpipers’ and buso groups’ performances
Venue: Buso Yard
16:50 Ceremonial setting afloat of the coffin symbolizing winter
Venue: river bank of the Danube
17:30 Bonfire – with the dance of the busos
Venue: Széchenyi Sq.
21:00 Sokac Ball featuring Mohács Dance Ensemble and Tanac Folk Dance Ensemble
Music: Poklade
(Ticketed event, tickets are available for 2000 HUF/person at the Mohács Tourinform Office)
Venue: the Great Hall of Schneider Art School (3. Vörösmarty St.)
Useful tips:
Be prepared for an immense crowd…!
Parking can be a misery, so we advise you to choose public transport instead.
Busos play tricks and like to tease women – don’t get upset, join the “game” instead!
Don’t forget to take your camera – the carnival is gonna be something of a lifetime!