Here’s where you can welcome the New Year with a centuries-old whip-cracking ritual in Hungary!

As the clock ticks towards midnight on New Year’s Eve, fireworks and parties dominate much of the world. In Hungary, however, the arrival of the new year is also marked by a far older and louder tradition: szilveszteri csergetés, a spectacular whip-cracking ritual rooted in centuries-old pastoral customs.

Chasing away the old year with noise

Csergetés is essentially a noise-making procession held on the last day of the year. Participants crack long whips, ring bells and march through town centres, creating an ear-splitting spectacle meant to bid farewell to the old year while welcoming abundance, luck and protection in the new one. According to folk belief, the thunderous sound drives away evil forces, misfortune and hardship before the year turns.

The custom originates in Hungary’s shepherd traditions, where noise-making rituals were closely linked to protection, fertility and prosperity, according to Lelépő. Over time, csergetés became a symbolic farewell to the old year itself, blending practical folk beliefs with communal celebration.

A tradition under threat, but still alive

This unique custom is disappearing from many parts of the country. Modern celebrations and fireworks have replaced traditional rituals in numerous towns. Nevertheless, csergetés is still very much alive in several Hungarian settlements, where locals continue to pass the tradition down through generations.

According to the latest information, visitors can still witness New Year’s Eve whip-cracking this year in places including Hajdúszoboszló, Balástya, Dunapataj, Cegléd, Feldebrő, Vácrátót, Kondoros, Dunaszentgyörgy, Békéscsaba, Nézsa, Madocsa and Szalkszentmárton. In these towns, the sharp cracks of whips echo across main squares and communities gather to say goodbye to the old year in a truly Hungarian way.

Hajdúszoboszló: the heart of csergetés

Among all these locations, Hajdúszoboszló stands out as one of the most famous and best-documented centres of the tradition. Here, the New Year’s Eve csergetés is considered the town’s oldest living custom, preserved continuously for centuries and officially recognised as part of the local cultural heritage.

Held every year on the town’s main square, the event combines traditional whip-cracking with a festive atmosphere and modern entertainment. While its roots lie in ancient pastoral rites, today’s celebration attracts crowds of locals and visitors alike.

Legend, history and symbolism

The origins of Hajdúszoboszló’s csergetés are wrapped in legend. According to local lore, on 31 December 1559, the town’s ancestors used whip-cracking and bell-ringing to scare off an approaching Ottoman force threatening the settlement. The overwhelming noise supposedly played a role in driving the attackers away.

Whether legend or historical embellishment, this story has become a core part of the ritual’s identity. The whip cracks symbolise victory, protection and resilience, while the act of collective noise-making reinforces community bonds and shared memory.

A modern celebration with ancient roots

While tradition lies at its heart, Hajdúszoboszló’s New Year’s Eve csergetés has evolved into a full evening programme. The whip-cracking procession is followed by concerts, fireworks and communal celebrations on the main square, which blends heritage with contemporary entertainment.

Fireworks light up the sky early in the evening, while popular Hungarian performers and DJs ensure that the atmosphere remains festive well into the night.

Importantly, the event is free to attend.

Experiencing an authentic Hungarian New Year

For foreigners, expats and visitors spending New Year’s Eve in Hungary, witnessing csergetés offers a glimpse into authentic Hungarian folk culture. It is loud, dramatic and deeply symbolic: a reminder that the country’s New Year traditions extend far beyond champagne and fireworks.