The Busójárás Carnival, Mohacs. One of the last pagan spring festivals of Europe is the incredible Busojaras festival held in Mohacs, Hungary. The Busójárás is spread over 6 days and ends on Mardi Gras. The carnival celebrates both a great victory the town had over the Turks and the passage from winter to spring in a traditional Šokci Croatian way.
The word Busójárás means “Busó-walking” in Croatian and the Busó are the most famous participants in the carnival processions. They are supposed to represent the men of Mohacs who crept back into the town dressed in sheepskins wearing scary masks who then started banging drums which frightened off the occupying Turkish soldiers. Every Busó has a hand made mask so each is individual to its owner.
The Busó take over Mohacs and the partying is full on until the last day when a coffin with Spring in it is burnt on a huge bonfire in the town Square. Its a wonderful carnival and I hope you enjoy the photos. Photographer Paul E Williams
