The biggest horsepower festival in Central Europe is about to turn 25. The legendary Hajdúböszörmény (Hajdúböszörmény) Tractor Pulling Competition and Festival will celebrate its quarter-century jubilee from August 8-10, 2025, transforming this peaceful Hungarian town into a deafening, diesel-fueled playground where only the toughest machines—and their fans—survive.
A Quarter Century of Power
The Hajdú International Tractor Pulling Competition and National Amateur Tractor Pulling Championship draw crowds for one reason: extreme, purpose-built racing tractors, often boasting thousands of horsepower and roaring engines, go head-to-head to see who can drag an enormous weight sled the farthest along a 100-meter (328-foot) dirt track. Just seeing it doesn’t do it justice. You have to feel the ground quake beneath your feet, as thunderous engines tear through the air and clouds of diesel smoke billow overhead.
Spectators can expect pure noise and spectacle as custom tractors, built from everything from airplane and boat engines to classic car motors, compete in a battle of raw power and precision. Each machine gets two pulls per day: a qualifying attempt and, if they make the cut, a spot in the finals, where the real challenge begins—only the most skilled can achieve a “Full Pull” by dragging a 55,000-pound sled the entire 100 meters. The winner is crowned according to the longest pull. Across Europe, the event is legendary, with only five certified weight sleds managed by the European Tractor Pulling Association—and Hajdúböszörmény (Hajdúböszörmény) is a proud part of the circuit.
International Teams and Beloved Favorites
The 2025 event is shaping up to be one of the fiercest yet, as teams from Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, and Norway descend on the Hungarian plains. The crowd-favorite Four No Hemi tractor from Italy is slated to return, bringing memories of previous showdowns. Professional drivers will compete in categories such as Heavy Modified, Light Modified, Super Stock, Pro Stock, Two Wheel Drive (TWD), and the ever-impressive Truck Pulls.
Visitors come for the show but stay for the jaw-dropping variety of the machines, each louder and more unique than the last. The festival’s electric atmosphere draws thousands, all eager to witness the might and madness that is Tractor Pulling.
A Whole Town Joins the Carnival
It’s not just horsepower that takes over Hajdúböszörmény (Hajdúböszörmény)—it’s the entire town. Friday, August 8, kicks off with the longstanding Tractor Carnival Parade, traversing the city’s main boulevards before making a dramatic stop at Bocskai Square (Bocskai tér) in the town center. Following the Eastern Hungarian AgriForum at 4 p.m., the parade rolls out from Széchenyi School (Széchenyi Iskola) with hundreds of tractors, trucks, and drivers in tow, cheered on by locals waving excitedly along the route. Those wishing to join with their own machines are encouraged to arrive by 3 p.m. at the gathering zone next to Széchenyi School (Széchenyi Iskola). Remember: traffic rules are strictly enforced, even when driving a monster tractor!
Family Fun and More Than Just Tractors
Throughout the weekend, from August 9-10, crowds will be treated to at least four racing categories and a show of strength from European teams, with entries from Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. The event also features a Truck Pull segment, a National Amateur competition, and fun extras like remote-controlled car shows (BRC) and a dazzling lineup of American muscle cars courtesy of the V8 TEAM. Surprises, excitement, and a fantastic atmosphere are all but guaranteed.
Ticket Info and Where to Stay
Tickets can be bought on-site or in advance. Adult day passes are $20.50 per day, or $34.20 for a weekend pass. Kids aged 5-14 pay $10.90 for a day or $17.75 for the full weekend; children under 5 get in free. Prices include VAT.
When it’s finally time to sleep (or to recover your hearing), accommodation is plentiful. The Fürdőkert Youth Leisure Center (Fürdőkerti Ifjúsági Szabadidőközpont), an institution with a 145-year history, offers a peaceful retreat with activities for both city residents and visitors. Or relax at an apartment on a working 25-acre organic farm, featuring a closed, landscaped courtyard, fountains, and a pond—perfect for families. The Hajdúböszörmény Thermal Camping and Apartments (Hajdúböszörményi Termál Kemping és Apartmanok), right by the Bocskai Spa (Bocskai Gyógyfürdő), welcomes both campers and wellness enthusiasts in a modern, green setting. No matter how long you stay—one night or several weeks—you’ll find warm hospitality.
For events, weddings, or family celebrations, the Hajdú Event House (Hajdú Rendezvényház) handles festival organization, while those with a sweet tooth should visit the Mazsola Ice Cream and Cake Workshop (Mazsola Fagylalt és Süteményműhely) for cakes, pastries, and more.
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Weekend
Expect the unexpected. Whether it’s roaring engines, day-long festivities, city-wide carnivals, or loud laughter that inspires you, Hajdúböszörmény’s (Hajdúböszörmény) 25th Tractor Pulling Festival (Traktorhúzó Fesztivál) promises to deliver. Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule but guarantee horsepower, excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime.
