We are happy to invite you to the 5th Józsefváros Farewell to Winter, a community event that has become a local tradition!
A traditional Hungarian folk ritual symbolizing the end of winter, where a straw doll (Kiszebáb) is burned to drive away illness, hardship, and the cold season.
Date & time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 4:15 PM
Location: Gathering at Mátyás tér, followed by a group walk to Horváth Mihály tér
Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/5B0VB5w0T
Program schedule:
- From 4:15 PM – Gathering at Mátyás Square, with an interactive performance by Bab Társulat, featuring giant puppets (in Hungarian, but also fun to watch)
- 4:45 PM – The group walk starts, walking via Tavaszmező utca to Horváth Mihály Square
- Around 5:00 PM – We light the fire, place the Kisze straw doll onto it, then dance in a circle with live music to symbolically chase away winter
Let’s be as loud as possible—bring musical instruments and noisemakers!
Don’t forget your small Kisze dolls and your written messages meant to drive away worries and misfortune.
Important information:
- Participation is at your own responsibility
- Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult
- Photo and audio recordings may be made during the event
- Data protection information: jozsefvaros.hu/adatvedelem