Every year, just before the Lenten fast, Farsang, the Carnival of the East is celebrated. A potent mixture of Catholic heritage and pagan traditions, this is the time when Spring starts and the big celebrations that give us the power to work hard in the coming months are held. This is the last big hoorah before Catholics give up the things they love for Lent, and when the ancient celebrations of fertility, of the awakening Earth, are repeated.
According to legend people from Mohacs fled the town, and started living in the nearby swamps and woods to avoid Ottoman troops. Šokac people were so fed up with the occupation that they carved various weapons and scary masks for themselves, and on a stormy night they put on their masks and made as much noise as possible.The Turks were so frightened by the noise, the masks, and the storm in the night, that they thought demons were attacking them and they ran away from the town before sunrise.
Busójárás is the tradition of Mohács that is unique among the Farsang celebrations. Just like the Carnival in Rio or Venice, Farsang is inexorably connected with getting dressed up and partying. In Mohács, this is done through the awesome Busó costumes. Young men hide their faces behind scary masks of devils, wear the “suba” of herdsmen (these are large, woolen coats that touch the ground), and pull pranks, practical jokes, and mischief of every kind. Even little children attend, as fun and colorful masks and fancy dresses fill the streets of Mohács for 5 unforgettable
