This is how the busós crowned the 2018 carnival season in Mohács – Photo gallery

Busó festival Busójárás carnival tradition Mohács

Photo: MTI/Tamás Sóki

If you have been reading our articles in the past days, you are probably aware that the highlight of the Hungarian carnival season, the “walking of the busós” was held last weekend. To be more specific, the festival ends today, but the most important programmes took place on Sunday. We put together a photo gallery so that you can get an insight into the excitements of the busójárás 🙂

The streets of Mohács are filled with fun and joy every February at the biggest carnival celebration of Hungary. During the busójárás (busó walking) people dress up and wear masks to scare away winter and welcome spring.

The celebration originates from the Croatian Sokác ethnic group, but it also became an event of key importance in Hungary.

The tradition of the sokác people of Mohács was first mentioned in 1783. The story recalls how their witty ancestors escaped to the Island of Mohács from the Turkish occupation. They put on costumes and returned on the river to surprise the superstitious Turks, who were appalled at the sight of the scary masquerade and fled the city.