Tradition and Nature Unite: Szent Dömötör Day Herding Festival

Every autumn, as the chill sets in and daylight wanes, the pastoral rhythms of Hortobágy come alive in a spectacular tribute to centuries-old customs. The Szent Dömötör Day Herding Festival marks the ceremonial return of livestock from the open plains to their winter shelters, echoing a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Hungarian folklore.

A Living Heritage

Szent Dömötör, the patron saint of shepherds, is honored with a vibrant procession of racka sheep, grey cattle, Nonius horses, and buffalo, led by their herdsmen in full regalia. This symbolic “closing of the pasture” was historically tied to wage settlements and livestock accounting, often followed by lively celebrations known as “dömötörözés”.

Visitors can witness:

• A colorful parade of animals and herders
• Folklore presentations explaining the ethnographic significance of the event
• Meet-and-greet sessions with herdsmen and their animals
• A thrilling horseman show featuring traditional skills

Full-Day Festivities

Held around the Shepherd Museum, the event features:

• Folk theater and street performances
• Craft workshops and traditional games
• Local food tastings, including kettle-cooked delicacies
• A bustling artisan market from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Evening shepherd’s bonfire at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit Hortobágy National Parks’s website.

Celebrate the changing seasons with a journey into Hungary’s pastoral soul—where tradition, wildlife, and community come together in unforgettable harmony!

Date: October 25
Location: Hortobágy

Source:programturizmus.hu |

Photo credit:

Tradition and Nature Unite: Szent Dömötör Day Herding Festival

Every autumn, as the chill sets in and daylight wanes, the pastoral rhythms of Hortobágy come alive in a spectacular tribute to centuries-old customs. The Szent Dömötör Day Herding Festival marks the ceremonial return of livestock from the open plains to their winter shelters, echoing a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Hungarian folklore.

A Living Heritage

Szent Dömötör, the patron saint of shepherds, is honored with a vibrant procession of racka sheep, grey cattle, Nonius horses, and buffalo, led by their herdsmen in full regalia. This symbolic “closing of the pasture” was historically tied to wage settlements and livestock accounting, often followed by lively celebrations known as “dömötörözés”.

Visitors can witness:

• A colorful parade of animals and herders
• Folklore presentations explaining the ethnographic significance of the event
• Meet-and-greet sessions with herdsmen and their animals
• A thrilling horseman show featuring traditional skills

Full-Day Festivities

Held around the Shepherd Museum, the event features:

• Folk theater and street performances
• Craft workshops and traditional games
• Local food tastings, including kettle-cooked delicacies
• A bustling artisan market from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Evening shepherd’s bonfire at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit Hortobágy National Parks’s website.

Celebrate the changing seasons with a journey into Hungary’s pastoral soul—where tradition, wildlife, and community come together in unforgettable harmony!

Date: October 25
Location: Hortobágy

Source:programturizmus.hu | Photo credit: Facebook Debrecen városa