Kurultaj unites people from the remote steppes of Inner Asia to Hungary and the Carpathian Basin, with dozens of nations represented again this year at Europe’s largest traditional festival.

Kurultaj – Hungarian Tribal Assembly: Back in Bugac

According to the event’s official website, the Kurultaj – Hungarian Tribal Assembly is the largest traditional heritage festival of both Hungary and Europe. Held for nearly two decades, the event brings together more than a hundred Hungarian cultural and civil organizations from the Carpathian Basin. Hundreds of horsemen and thousands of participants dressed in traditional garments—mainly ancient Hun, Avar, and Hungarian attire and armor—actively take part in the festivities.

The first modern Kurultaj involving Hungarian participation was held in 2007 in Saga, Kazakhstan. The inaugural Hungarian edition was organised in Bösztörpuszta in 2008. In 2009, the Hungarian Turan Foundation was established and has since been responsible for organizing this widely attended event each year in Bugac. The event draws tens of thousands of visitors annually. Its chief patron is Sándor Lezsák, the Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly from the governing Fidesz party, and it has long been supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade—a partnership that will continue, according to Secretary of State Boglárka Illés.

Numerous programs and guests

One of the main goals of the Kurultaj, according to its organisers, is to preserve and nurture Hungarian traditions. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Hungarian people and their eastern kin, with a focus on nomadic horse culture, martial arts, folk music, and traditional dance.

This year’s Kurultaj featured a wide range of activities, from academic lectures and concerts to sporting events, horseback and foot competitions, exhibitions, and contests. Among the highlights were the national belt wrestling championship and the nomadic armed combat fencing competition. An archery long-distance shooting contest was also held. But the main event, as always, was yesterday’s grand parade of mounted and foot warriors held early in the afternoon.

Here are a few photos from the event:

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