Winter farewell parade returns to Szeged with Busó performers
Szeged will once again bid farewell to winter with its traditional Winter Farewell Mini Carnival, returning to Szent István Square over the weekend of February 21–22.
The two-day event brings together folk traditions, family-friendly programs, and carnival-style entertainment, with the highlight being Saturday evening’s winter farewell parade and the ceremonial burning of the kiszebáb, the straw puppet symbolizing illness, misfortune, and the hardships of winter.
Saturday’s programs begin at 9 a.m. with the opening of the handicraft market, followed by a festive fanfare performed by brass students from the University of Szeged. Throughout the day, children can enjoy interactive games and performances, including shows by Komjáti Ági and the Sajtkukac Duó, as well as the popular Witch Hunt game.
The main attraction of the weekend starts at 5:30 p.m., when the musical winter farewell parade sets off from Dugonics Square and makes its way to Szent István Square. Led by town crier Attila Kemper, the procession features traditional Busó performers, the Délikert Napsugár Folk Dance Group, and live music by the Gyantár Band. The parade concludes with the burning of the kiszebáb on a bonfire at 6 p.m., followed by a dance house with the Gyantár Band.
Sunday’s program continues with a full schedule of children’s events, including a concert by Peter & Pan, a donut-eating contest, performances by the Grimm-Busz Theater and the Kövér Béla Puppet Theater, and interactive games such as the broom dance.
On both days, visitors can enjoy carnival attractions including a children’s railway, carousel, giant building blocks, a bouncy castle, and pony rides. The Water Tower on Szent István Square will also be open to visitors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is 1,100 forints per person, with free entry for children under six.
All programs are open to the public. The language of the event is Hungarian. Organizers note that the schedule may be subject to change.
For updates, check out the event’s Facebook page.
Detailed program
Saturday, February 21
9:00 a.m. – Handicraft market opens
9:30 a.m. – Market opening fanfare by brass students of the University of Szeged (teacher: József Boros)
10:00 a.m. – Komjáti Ági children’s program
11:00 a.m. – Witch Hunt – interactive game for children
2:00 p.m. – Sajtkukac Duó children’s program
3:00 p.m. – Botos Busó Group – traditional stick dance performance
5:30 p.m. – Musical winter farewell parade from Dugonics Square to Szent István Square, led by town crier Attila Kemper, featuring Busó performers, the Délikert Napsugár Folk Dance Group, and the Gyantár Band
6:00 p.m. – Burning of the kiszebáb at Szent István Square
6:10 p.m. – Dance house with the Gyantár Band
Sunday, February 22
9:00 a.m. – Handicraft market opens
10:00 a.m. – Peter & Pan children’s concert
11:00 a.m. – Donut-eating contest for children
2:00 p.m. – Grimm-Busz Theater children’s performance
3:00 p.m. – Kövér Béla Puppet Theater – carnival performance
4:00 p.m. – Broom dance – interactive game for children
Programs on both days
Children’s railway, carousel, giant building blocks, bouncy castle, and pony rides
The Water Tower on Szent István Square will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is 1,100 forints per person; free for children under six.
Featured image only for illustration. Source: Dreamstime
