Local services
Hungary’s largest national park, Hortobágy, will host various activities in 2025, including traditional shepherd’s year events, internationally recognised Hortobágy Equestrian Days, and the National Herders’ Competition and Shepherds’ Meeting on Pentecost.
St. George’s Day Drive-Out Celebration 26 April
St. George’s Day is a significant day for shepherds, as it marks the departure of animals from their winter shelters, highlighting the pastoral traditions of this World Heritage Site and the few shepherds who continue their ancestors’ craft.
National Herders’ Competition and Shepherds’ Meeting, Shepherd’s Dance Competition 23-24 May
On Saturdays of Pentecost, herders from across Hungary gather at Puszta Animal Park in Hortobágy for competitions including cattle catching, water pulling, dragon throwing, and herder’s stick use.
Hortobágy Village Day 31 May
Since 1992, Hortobágy’s Village Day strengthens community cohesion and showcases cultural heritage through fairground and water stage programmes, horse cavalcade, cooking competition, music, dancing, and children’s activities.
57th Hortobágy Equestrian Days 6-7-8 June In the
Hortobágy Equestrian Days, a significant event in the region, promotes pastoral culture, Máta Stud Farm’s work, and its horse collection. The 57th edition offers a 21st-century experience, connecting with the past and revisiting forgotten knowledge.
Hortobágy Nine-Hole Bridge Fair 20 August
The nationally celebrated fair, coinciding with the feast of King Saint Stephen, features the iconic Nine-Hole Bridge as a symbol of Hungary’s unique landscape. This event showcases an array of folk crafts, organic goods, antiques, and contemporary innovations. Attendees are also invited to sample traditional regional cuisine specific to Hortobágy.
Meeting of Hungarian Grey Cattle Friends 4-5 October
Hortobágy serves as a vital sanctuary for both the Hungarian Grey Cattle and the local shepherding community. It hosts a bull fair where breeders gather to celebrate this iconic breed. This weekend, attendees can look forward to a diverse array of activities including a cooking competition, crafts fair, traditional folk performances, a wine market, and children’s folk games.
St. Dömötör’s Day Drive-In Celebration, Crane Festival and Craft Fair 25 October
In autumn, the shepherds of Hortobágy, adhering to traditional customs, guide their livestock from pastures to winter shelters. The St. Dömötör’s Day Drive-in Celebration allows attendees to engage with the native animals, including Hungarian long-wooled sheep (racka sheep), Nonius horses, water buffalos, and grey cattle, as they cross the Nine-Hole Bridge accompanied by herders and horsemen. Additionally, the Crane Festival, organised by the Hortobágy National Park Directorate, features stage performances, folk and nature games, crafting activities, and guided tours for observing cranes. Visitors at the Handicraft Fair can appreciate an array of tools and ornaments crafted by local artisans.
Date: throughout 2025
Location: Hortobágy
Source:visitdebrecen.com Photo credit:debrecen.hu