Busójárás in Mohács: scary masks to chase away winter

Every February the Danube town of Mohács is taken over by the busós, men in carved wooden masks and sheepskin coats. For six days they roam the streets with noise and fire to chase away winter, a tradition of the local Šokci community.

Fun facts

• Busójárás has been on UNESCO's intangible heritage list since 2009.
• Local legend says the masks were used to scare away Ottoman troops.
• The busós arrive by boat across the Danube.

What to see

• The busós crossing the Danube in boats.
• The big parade on carnival Sunday.
• The bonfire on the main square where a coffin symbolising winter is burned.

What to taste

• Halászlé, spicy Hungarian fish soup.
• Villány red wine from the nearby wine region.
• Fánk, carnival doughnuts with jam.

What to do

• Visit a mask carver's workshop.
• Take a trip to Pécs with its Roman and Ottoman heritage.
• Taste local wine in Villány's cellars.

💡 Tip: Budapest airport is about three hours away by train or bus. Osijek airport in Croatia is closer. Book accommodation early or stay in Pécs.