Deep in the heart of Hungary, every summer a unique magic comes alive: the Csutorás International Folk Music and Dance Camp (Csutorás Nemzetközi Népzenei és Néptánctábor), led by folk music researcher József Birinyi. In 2025, it will celebrate its 40th edition, running from August 3 to 10, welcoming enthusiasts, musicians, dancers, folk artists, teachers, and families from all corners of the Carpathian Basin (Kárpát-medence) and beyond to the small town of Orken (Örkény).
A Living Tradition Since 1985
What started in 1985 has grown into the Carpathian Basin’s longest-running, all-ages gathering devoted to Hungarian folk culture and heritage. Here, ages melt away as children, adults, families, and even complete beginners dive into a world where songs, dances, and traditions are kept vividly alive. The Csutorás Camp is famous for its lively blend of professional musicians, dance instructors, and folklore lovers mingling with wide-eyed beginners and passionate hobbyists, all determined to pass on cultural treasures.
A Week Packed with Folkfulness
The program is densely packed: expert-led music lessons on traditional Hungarian folk instruments, hands-on dance instruction, nightly dance houses (táncház), screenings of ethnographic documentaries, engaging presentations, and craft workshops ranging from folk art to instrument making. Want to learn how to carve your own flute, or hear the region’s story straight from its best storytellers? You’ll find it all here. When the intensity calls for a break, campers unwind at the Csutorás Beach Festival, swim nearby, or enjoy home-style cooking with unmistakably Hungarian flavors.
Visitors and tutors arrive from ethnically Hungarian regions such as Transylvania (Erdély), Moldavia (Moldva), Gyimes, Felvidék (Upper Hungary), Délvidék (Southern Land), and Palócföld (Palóc Land). Even winners of major Carpathian Basin folk music and folk song competitions earn a spot as part of their prize, ensuring the camp overflows with talent and enthusiasm.
Faces Running the Show
The artistic director, József Birinyi, doesn’t just research folk music—he lives and breathes it as co-chair of KÓTA, founder of the Csutorás Ensemble (Csutorás Együttes), and president of the Hungarikum Association (Hungarikum Szövetség). Hosting duties are handled by the Csutorás Ensemble from Taborville (Táborfalva), and an experienced organizing team makes the magic happen year after year.
Jump In—No Experience Needed
The camp is open to all, with no restrictions: no age or experience limits. You can sign up solo or bring along family or friends. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone is welcome.
Powered by a Folk-loving Community
The Csutorás Camp is only possible thanks to the broad support of organizations, local government, and individual enthusiasts. Support comes from groups like the PRO FILII Foundation, the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, music and folk art associations, schools, local businesses, and a small army of volunteers, ensuring the legacy continues. Each contributor helps turn heritage into a living, breathing experience for a new generation.
There’s Always Next Year (and Many More to Come)
After the 2025 milestone, dates are already set—with the camp taking place every first week of August through 2035 and beyond, ensuring future generations will always have a place to return to, to learn, and to celebrate Hungarian folk music, dance, and crafts once again in Orken (Örkény). Whatever your background, bring your curiosity and your dancing shoes—you’ll leave with stories and memories that last a lifetime.
