One of the oldest winter carnival traditions is the Mohács carnival, which is arguably the most colourful and exciting winter carnival festival in Hungary. Last year it was cancelled due to the COVID epidemic, but the good news is that this year it is scheduled to take place!
Carnival, the period from Epiphany to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is traditionally a time of merry-making and feasting in European culture. In Mohács, the busos dress up according to tradition. The biggest party is on Carnival Sunday.
The winter festival „Carnival Tail” lasts for three days, from Carnival Sunday to Carnival Tuesday, culminating in the carnival. The main elements of the „show” are the driving of the busos from Mohács Island to the town, the landing, the costume parade and the burning of the coffin that symbolises winter. During the disembarkation, the busos are rowed on boats from the „Island”, as the locals call it, Kismohács, on the other side of the island, to the southern, inland part of the town of Mohács. Then the costumers march from Kolo Square to the main square. At dusk, they burn the coffin representing winter by lighting a bonfire and perform circle dances in the main square. The festival is accompanied by a loud round dance, with busos and guests tromping through the streets of the city centre to dance the sokac dance, the kolo, and their guests join in the light-hearted revelry. Nowadays, 1500-1700 costumed people take part in the buso parade every year.
The carnival has been a World Heritage Site since 2009 and a Hungaricum since 2011.
