The Busós of Mohács
Every winter, hundreds of men in sheepskins and terrifying carved wooden masks storm through a Hungarian town, rattling, roaring and shouting, to chase away winter.
What was reported
At the end of February, the town of Mohács in southern Hungary holds the Busójárás, a six-day carnival. Hundreds of men dress as busós, wearing shaggy sheepskin cloaks and huge, grotesque masks carved from willow wood, with horns, and carry rattles and cowbells.
They parade through the town, make a great noise, cross the Danube in boats, and at the end burn a coffin representing winter on a big bonfire.
Explanations offered
Local legend says the Šokci people of the town once scared off Ottoman occupiers by dressing in frightening masks. Folklorists think the custom is much older, a ritual to drive out winter and welcome spring. It's recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.
- When
- Every February, before Lent
- Where
- Mohács, Baranya, Hungary
- Witnesses
- The people of Mohács
- Status
- Folk custom
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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