The Mohácsi Busójárás (Busó Carnival) is a traditional Hungarian Shrovetide festival in Mohács, featuring masked busó figures who chase away winter.  

Festival Overview

This UNESCO-recognized event celebrates Šokac (South Slavic) heritage with parades, bonfires, dances, crafts, and folk performances. Highlights include busó boat crossings on the Danube, processions, mask-carving demos, and the burning of a winter coffin. Expect markets, music, and family activities across central squares like Széchenyi tér.

Detailed program 12 - 17 February 2026

Thursday, February 12 – "Kisfarsang" (Little Carnival)

• 09:30: "Young and Old Don Their Masks" – Opening event at the Youth Center.

• 12:00: Folk Art and Handicraft Fair in the city center.

• 14:30: Wreath-laying ceremony at the Anka Kersics memorial plaque (Sokackör, Táncsics M. u. 34).

• 14:45: Carnival Parade from the Sokackör to Széchenyi Square.

• 15:00: Children's Jankele and Little Busós celebrating freely in the streets.

• 15:15: Children’s folk dance and Busó group performances on the Széchenyi Square stage.

• 16:00: Presentation of Busó tools and equipment on Széchenyi Square.

• 17:00: "Tradition and Soul" – Opening of the temporary exhibition of the Kalkán family’s Busó masks at the Kanizsai Dorottya Museum.

• 19:00: South Slavic Dance House (Táncház) with the Glasovi band at the Market Square.
   

Friday, February 13

• 10:00: Folk Art and Handicraft Fair in the city center.

• 10:30: "Our Mohács" drawing competition exhibition opening at the Busó Court (Busóudvar).

• 13:00: Regional German Folk Singing Competition at the German Cultural House (Kossuth L. u. 51).

• 15:15: Folk dance groups and bands perform on stages at Széchenyi Square and Deák Square.

• 17:00: "Masks and Folk Art" exhibition opening at the Kossuth Theater Cultural Center.

• 18:00: Zora band concert at Deák Square.

• 19:00: South Slavic Dance House with the Misija band at the Market Square.
   

Saturday, February 14

• 09:00: Folk Art and Handicraft Fair in the city center.

• 09:00–12:00: Workshop: "Secrets of traditional Sokác costume making" at the Kanizsai Dorottya Museum.

• 10:00: Tambura bands, folk dancers, and Busó group shows across four stages: Széchenyi Square, Deák Square, Selyemgyár Cultural Quarter, and Busóudvar.

• 10:00: "Flavors of Mohács" live cooking at the Busóudvar.

• 11:00: Serbian gastronomy showcase in the Serbian Church courtyard.

• 14:00–18:00: "Merriment with the Busós" – Carnival games, wagon decorating, and Sokác bean cooking/tasting in Síp Street.

• 18:00: Poklade band concert at Deák Square.

• 19:00: South Slavic Dance House with the Zora band at the Market Square.
   

Sunday, February 15 – Carnival Sunday (Farsangvasárnap)

• 09:00: Folk Art and Handicraft Fair in the city center.

• 09:00–11:00: Witness the Busó groups preparing and crossing the river from the island side.

• 10:00: Continuous stage performances across the city (Széchenyi, Deák, Selyemgyár, Busóudvar).

• 12:30: The Main Event: Busós cross the Danube by boat to the Sokacrév.

• 14:00: Grand Busó Parade: From Kóló Square through the city center to Széchenyi Square.

• 16:30: Launching of the Carnival Coffin into the river at the ferry port.

• 17:30: The Bonfire: Lighting of the central fire and dancing with the Busós on Széchenyi Square.

• 19:00: South Slavic Dance House with the Kolo band at the Market Square.
   

Monday, February 16

• 10:00–13:00: Interactive carnival workshop for children at the Kanizsai Dorottya Museum (2000 HUF fee).
   

Tuesday, February 17 – Shrove Tuesday (Farsangtemetés)

• 10:00–14:00: Busó School: Creative mask-making for all ages at the Busóudvar.

• 14:30: Final Busó Parade starting from Kóló Square.

• 16:00: "Group Photo": Busós and Sokác girls pose on the City Hall steps.

• 17:30: Burning the Coffin: Lighting the bonfire and burning the carnival coffin to symbolise the end of winter on Széchenyi Square.

• 19:00: Final South Slavic Dance House with the Planina band at the Market Square.
   

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