The Carnival season is the period after Christmas and before Easter. Its length varies from year to year. It begins on January 6, which marks the day of Epiphany and ends on Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the 40-day fast before Easter, however the time is different each year. The exact duration of the carnival may also vary from culture to culture. In Venice it is celebrated at the end of December, in Spain only towards the end of January and in Rome it is only the 11 days before Lent. In many places, the actual Carnival is held the week before Ash Wednesday, which reaches its final climax on our Mardi Gras. The home of the Carnival is Italy and today the Italian, especially the last week of the Carnival in Venice, is one of the most famous folk festivals.

A little history

Originally the festival has pagan roots, but was later taken over by the church and then shaped to its own image with Christian qualities. It follows that the carnival is based solely on tradition, with no religious event associated with it.

Its origins can be traced back to Italian and German traditions. It was established in Hungary in the Middle Ages on the basis of mixed traditions. The middle class primarily acquired the German, while the aristocracy the Italian and French customs. Masks and masquerades can also be traced back to Italian tradition and were already popular in the time of King Matthias.

Hungarian traditions

The purpose of the carnival is to say goodbye to winter and greet spring. In Hungary, however, it also served a more sublime goal. The essence of the ball season was to get engaged.  Then was the time to quickly choose a partner, because it was forbidden to hold weddings during Lent. That is why the first Sunday after Epiphany was called the first wedding Sunday. The carnival revelry was organized by the bachelors and the marriageable girls gave bouquets to those they were interested in. This played an important role at the end of the carnival party: the young men pinned the flower to their hats to reveal their choice.

To this day, there is the Busójárás tradition, which is also associated with the carnival.

Carnival delicacies 

Ash Wednesday is already the first day of the 40-day fast. According to folklore, this was suspended the next Thursday and the remaining food was consumed. Nowadays, this is called “Fat Thursday” - in today’s modern version, restaurants offer guests discounts for an abundant feast. More and more restaurants are taking part in the promotion, offering significant discounts on the price of meals that day. The Carnival is a celebration of balls, frolicking, feasts and gluttony. The most typical dish of the period is the doughnut (fánk). In our country, a version known as the ribbon doughnut is widespread, but different countries have their own versions.  Besides this, typical dishes include meat dishes, aspic and cabbage.

Balaton Bike Carnival - the first bike tour of the year at Lake Balaton

Determined cyclists can take part in the winter bike tour on Saturday, March 13th.

The center of the tour is Balatonfüred - Balaton Leisure and Conference Center, from where the participants depart and return.

There are civilized changing rooms, toilets and a restaurant for cyclists. The complex is complemented by a sauna in the city swimming pool.

Route: Balatonfüred - Tihany (ferry crossing) - Zamárdi - Siófok - Balatonaliga - Balatonakarattya - Balatonkenese - Balatonfűzfő - Balatonalmádi - Alsóörs - Csopak – Balatonfüred

Refreshment points:

- Siófok - Matróz Pizzeria at the 25th km

- Balatonvilágos – Magas part, Mayor's Office at the 37th km

- Balatonkenese - Vadkacsa Restaurant & Pension at the 47th km

- Alsóörs - Tourinform Office at the 68th km

- Balatonfüred - Balaton Leisure Center at the 78th km (finish)

Recommended schedule, pace:

Reaching the Siófok refreshment point latest by 11:15 am, rest time max. 20 minutes

Reaching the Balatonvilágos refreshment point latest by 12:30 pm, rest time max. 20 minutes

Reaching the Balatonkenese refreshment point latest by 2 pm, rest time max. 30 minutes

Reaching the Alsóörs refreshment point latest by 4 pm, rest time max. 10 minutes

Reaching Balatonfüred FINISH: 5:00 pm

Sunset: 5:21 p.m.

Distance: 78 km, Lake Balaton - Eastern basin, small circle

Time limit: 8 hours

Several accompanying cars (servicing, doctor, transport) are constantly available under emergency numbers.

Throughout the tour there will be stops in Siófok, Balatonvilágos, Balatonkenese and Alsóörs, with hot tea, mulled wine and fatty bread. Upon arrival, everyone will receive a rich hot soup, tea and mulled wine in the restaurant.

We have maximized the number of participants to 350 in order to serve the participants safely and on a high standard even in extreme weather.