Winter Farewell in Szeged: celebrate with a parade, a bonfire, and the Busó performers
Burning of the winter puppet at the 2024 Winter Farewell Mini Carnival in Szeged. Photo: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
Szeged's annual Winter Farewell Mini Carnival with Busó performers returns to Szent István Square on February 22-23, 2025.
The two-day celebration features a festival parade, winter puppet burning, a variety of family-friendly activities, including children's programs, concerts, and an artisan market showcasing local handmade products.
The weekend’s highlight is the lively festival parade, featuring traditional busó performers in elaborate costumes, creating a cacophony of noise to chase away winter. Kicking off at 17:30 on Saturday at Dugonics Square, the parade winds through Kárász Street and Széchenyi Square, culminating at Szent István Square, where the winter puppet will be set ablaze on a bonfire.
The kiszebáb, a straw puppet often shaped like a witch, symbolizes misfortune, illness, and negativity. According to tradition, burning the kiszebáb amidst loud revelry was thought to banish misfortune, bid farewell to winter, and usher in the arrival of spring.
Everyone is welcome to join the celebration. Before the grand burning, the winter puppet will be displayed at Mars Square and later at Dugonics Square, where visitors can attach notes symbolizing the burdens or negativity they wish to leave behind. The puppet will then be burned with these notes on Saturday, February 22.
Detailed program
Saturday, February 22, 2025
9:00 Handicraft market opens
9:30 Opening of the winter farewell weekend with fanfare performed by the brass students of the University of Szeged (teacher: József Boros)
10:00 Grimm-Busz Theater for kids
11:00 Witch Hunt: interactive game for kids
15:00 Busó dance performance by Botos Busó Group
17:30 Festival parade with the Botos Busó Group, the Délikert Napsugár Folk Dance Group, and the Gyantár Band. The parade starts at Dugonics Square and arrives at Szent István Square.
18:00 Burning of the winter puppet at Szent István Square
Sunday, February 23, 2025
9:00 Handicraft market opens
10:00 Katica Band kids' concert
11:00 Donut eating contest for kids
14:00 Kövér Béla Puppet Theater’s carnival performance
15:00 7Mérföldes Band kids' concert
16:00 “Broom dance” interactive game for kids
On both days:
The Water Tower on Szent István Square will be open for visitors between 11:00 and 16:00. Entrance ticket: 1000 HUF
Giant building blocks, a carousel, a kids' railway, a bouncy castle, and pony rides
From 9 in the morning handicraft market with handmade lifestyle products and food items
Note: the organizer SZVP - Szegedi Városkép és Piac reserves the right to change the program without prior notice
Learn more about Busó traditions in the summary article below.
