THE CULTURE TRIP : CELEBRATE FARSANG LIKE A LOCAL
Beginning January 6th, a celebration that now blends old Hungarian Pagan beliefs with Christian ones. Although celebrated around Hungary in various ways, including of course Budapest, the city of Mohacs has a noteworthy festival.
Excerpt: The history of this supposedly comes from a Turk invasion, when they occupied the town (Mohacs) and chased its inhabitants out into the nearby swamps. However, the local men dressed up as these buso and frightened the Turks, who insisted demons had attacked them. Nowadays, they playfully chase people around the town during their parades, making loud noises and generally causing a ruckus. There are mask-making events, competitions for children;s costumes and numerous stalls selling food and drink. On Shrove Tuesday there's even a bonfire where the Farsang coffin is set alight - the coffin symbolizing winter and, therefore, its end giving way to spring.
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