Every year, the town of Nagykőrös (Nagykőrös) throws open its gates for the Nagykőrös Fair, one of Hungary’s liveliest and most beloved market events. With deep roots stretching back centuries—all the way to a royal charter granted in December 1759 by Maria Theresa herself—these bustling fairs continue to blend age-old traditions with fresh energy and a modern crowd.
This isn’t just any market: it’s a dynamic gathering where you’ll find everything from traditional crafts and clothing to plants, gifts, working animals, and beloved pets. The fair is “organized chaos” in the best sense, attracting both locals and visitors who crave the lively atmosphere of a Hungarian market in full swing. Expect a whole section dedicated to animal sellers: horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, and small pets, side by side with jam-packed stalls of spices, homemade preserves, and artisan goods.
Fair Dates and Traditions
Nagykőrös (Nagykőrös) hosts the fair ten times a year, but the key events for 2025 include the following Sundays:
- July 27 – Magdalene Day Fair (Magdolna-napi vásár)
- August 31 – Farewell to Summer Fair (Nyárbúcsúztató vásár)
- September 28 – St. Michael’s Day Fair (Szent Mihály-napi vásár)
- October 26 – Demetrius Day Fair (Dömötör-napi vásár)
- December 7 – St. Andrew’s Day Fair (Szent András-napi vásár)
The spirit of the event is pure tradition: look for Hungarian cowboys (csikós), cattlemen (gulyás), swineherds, shepherds, and the descendants of old guild masters. The fair continues their legacy, and you’ll spot them parading through the crowds, livestock in tow. Traveling merchants, food vendors grilling over open fires, minstrels with lutes, fire-eaters, puppeteers, and street performers mingle with town criers and master craftsmen whose official licenses let them trade right here on the fairgrounds.
Each fair day is also packed with folk entertainment: dancers, puppet shows, singers performing Hungarian songs (nóta), operetta, and various lively stage acts to keep the energy high and spirits up. If you like to shop with a generous dose of spectacle, this is the place for you.
When to Show Up (and What to Expect)
The fairground comes alive from the crack of dawn. Market gates for general stalls open at 4:30 a.m., while the pig-trading area welcomes buyers at 5:00 a.m. Cattle deals begin at 5:30 a.m., and horse trading starts at 6:00 a.m. Savvy visitors arrive early to snag the best finds—or just to enjoy the sunrise over a thicket of horse trailers. The festivities usually wind down by 1 or 2 p.m., weather permitting, but you’ll have packed plenty into just half a day.
Stay, Eat, and Enjoy
For out-of-towners, Nagykőrös (Nagykőrös) and nearby Kecskemét (Kecskemét) offer plenty of peaceful, well-appointed hotels, often with restaurants serving both Hungarian and international specialties. Look out for eclectic loft-style bistros, homey family restaurants ready to cook your favorite meals to order, and large venues in spas that can serve up to 190 people at once—with terraces for 36, main rooms for 90, and private rooms for events of up to 60 people.
Inventive daily menus showcase both traditional and fusion cuisine, making every meal a little adventure. If you’re after something flashier, there’s the city’s Bistorant—a chic venue inside a premium hotel, blending heritage with contemporary food trends. Some restaurants even build their menus around fresh, seasonal ingredients from the region: think crisp vegetables, juicy fruit, rich local meats, and freshly picked herbs.
Kecskemét (Kecskemét) is also home to a bustling bowling center and restaurant where you can unwind after the fair with 10 bowling lanes, billiards, darts, and a menu that caters to every trend and craving. For more indulgence, try the Café Plázs Dessert Boutique (Café Plázs Desszertbár), which tempts you with postcard-perfect views, coffee, breakfast, luscious cakes, Neapolitan pizzas, pulled pork sandwiches, vegetarian options, and a stylish list of Hungarian wines—over 100 varieties, no less.
Handcrafted chocolates and traditional grillázs (croquant confections) round out the sweets for those with a sweet tooth.
Beyond the Fair: The Culinary Scene
The culinary offerings in Nagykőrös (Nagykőrös) and Kecskemét (Kecskemét) are anything but average. Whether you’re sipping a fine local wine in a stylish lounge, tucking into a Hungarian feast at a classic roadside pizzeria, or enjoying the fresh air on a sunny terrace, the region knows how to serve up hospitality.
At the Nagykőrös Fair, you’ll bargain, savor homemade stews, watch folk traditions come alive, and quite possibly leave with a chicken, a handmade gift, or a one-of-a-kind story. Mark your calendar and don’t miss Hungary’s most vibrant, tradition-packed gathering—it’s where history, spectacle, and fare collide in the friendliest country market around.
