The “Lecsó From the Kettle” Traditional Festival in Zsámbok (Zsámbok) promises two days packed with local flavors, crafts, music, and the iconic lecsó cooking contest. Visitors can soak up the community’s traditions, discover the unique art of paprika cultivation, and immerse themselves in the creative works of the region’s artisans.
Day One: Friday Fun and Theater
On August 1, Zsámbok’s Sport and Community Park comes alive at 2:00 PM with a children’s soccer (football) competition, followed at 5:00 PM by a regional soccer tournament as part of the second Lecsó Festival. The evening finishes with a theatrical treat: at 6:30 PM, the Zsámbok Theatre stages a dress rehearsal for “Prize Game” (Jutalomjáték) in the theater hall.
Saturday: Wake Up and Smell the Peppers
Saturday kicks off early with a bike tour at 7:30 AM to wake up both body and spirit. At 9:00 AM, the fourth Lecsó Festival Mini-Golf Tournament starts, setting a playful tone for the day.
The festival’s official opening takes place at 10:15 AM—complete with a dove release and speeches by Zsámbok’s mayor Ilona Holló, patrons György Czerván (Member of Parliament), and István Szabó (President of Pest County Assembly). By 10:30 AM, the highly anticipated lecsó cooking contest begins, as teams race to impress the judges with their best rendition of this paprika-based classic.
Music, Dance, and Culture Take Center Stage
Starting at 11:10 AM, the program is packed with performances: a children’s fairytale show “On Beetleback: The Crown of the Bee Queen” (Bogárháton: A Méhkirálynő koronája), a lively choir from the Turai Őszirózsa Retiree Club, and energetic displays by the Zsámbok gymnastics group and local Romani students with a traditional dance.
The University of Respect Dance School shows off its talents, and at 1:30 PM everyone awaits the announcement of the tastiest lecsó. Folk traditions continue with the Kerepes (Kerepesi) German Cultural Association’s Stammtisch Club, and music lovers can enjoy performances by the Juliett Divas—first “Viva la Divas,” then “Women in Black”—plus a Zumba show.
Keeping Traditions Alive
Authentic folk groups and choirs take over the stage: the New Pearl Garland of Zsámbok (Zsámboki Új Gyöngyösbokrétások), the Women’s Choir (Asszonykórus), dancers from Kóka (Kóka) and Hévízgyörk (Hévízgyörk), and others captivate the audience. At 3:00 PM, guitars and singing fill the Roman Catholic Church. Later, the Zsámbok Wedding Show is accompanied by the Wine Thief Band (Borlopó Band). Another round of traditional groups takes over in the afternoon, ending with the Kalotaszentkirály (Kalotaszentkirály) and Dány (Dány) ensembles.
At 5:30 PM, theater lovers get a second showing of “Prize Game” (Jutalomjáték) by Jenő Rejtő, courtesy of the Zsámbok Theatre. On the sports field, a taekwondo exhibition and a giant bubble extravaganza entertain all ages. Operetta star József Bozsó serenades the audience before singer Csaba Vastag’s concert and a dazzling fireworks finale.
More Than Just Lecsó
Throughout Saturday, family-friendly activities abound: crafts at Kacó Kindergarten (Kacó Óvoda), clay work, folk craft demonstrations at the Local Heritage House (Tájház), markets featuring artisans and food producers, guided tours, a history and values exhibition, motorbike and vintage car displays, a fire truck demonstration, bouncy castles, face painting, and a photo exhibit of Székely symbols.
Compete in the Lecsó Cook-Off
Want to join the lecsó-making contest? Teams must cook at least 11 pounds of paprika-based stew, preparing enough to share with festival guests holding tickets—everyone cooks over wood provided by the organizers, who will also supply bread, tables, and benches. The entry fee is just $5.30 per team and must be paid at the Mayor’s Office when submitting the application (also available online).
All ingredients must be cooked fresh and onsite, with “two lid claps” marking the official start. Lecsó must be submitted by 12:30 PM; late entries will not be judged! Spaces are randomly assigned at 7:00 AM on August 2. Team vehicle license plates must be registered, and all vehicles must leave the site by 9:15 AM.
See You There!
The Zsámbok Lecsó Festival promises a weekend of flavor, tradition, and celebration. Organizers reserve the right to make changes—so pepper lovers, mark August 1-2, 2025, on your calendar.
