A special festival near Hortobágy

According to Turizmus.com, it is the second time that Balmazújváros hosts the Hungarian Hat Festival. While nationally and internationally recognised hat makers introduce themselves during the festival also folk music bands and folk dance groups, and, of course, the local cuisine itself, are present.

On 29th June, visitors arriving at Balmazújváros’ park in the district of Kadarcs may get a glimpse of the local culture and traditions.

It may last only one day, but the Hungarian Hat Festival provides lots of different programs to attend. The celebration begins at 9 am at the dwelling of the Mihalkó family, from where the hat makers of Hungary march to Kadarcs, the true venue of the festival.

The Mihalkó family is the most well-known in the town, its members are internationally acclaimed hat makers. They do their profession in the traditional way, which makes them unique in the country. Gyula Mihalkó, who passed away last year, was the master of folk traditions, and his son Gyula Mihalkó Jr. received the title of the junior master of folk art. The shepherd hat of Hortobágy, made by the Mihalkós, is an outstanding national value, as the Hungarikum Committee declared. The history of the Mihalkó hat leans back to 1871, and it has been a part of their family tradition since then. They make hats — among which we can find mitres, peasant and civil hats, folk dancer and souvenir hats — from merino wool by hand crafting. This technique has not changed during one and a half centuries.

The festival offers a bulk of programs with folk dancers, string bands, cooking contest for hat makers, archery performance, felting, craftsmen’s market. Guest may also try some unique dishes from Hortobágy including the traditional “slambuc”, a pasta dish with fried bacon and potatoes which conquers both the heart and the stomach.

Ce: bm

Source: Turizmus.com