Tornabarakony (Tornabarakony), a sleepy Hungarian village nestled among rolling hills, is set to come alive for the Gömör-Torna Folk Art Gathering (Gömör-Tornai Népművészeti Találkozó) on August 1–2, 2025. The event promises something for everyone: craft and folk art programs, theater and music acts, a local product fair, and enough irresistible food to keep both kids and adults happy all weekend. The festivities will take place on breezy “Oven Hill” (Kemencés domb), an open space perfect for wandering between cultural events, shaded picnics, and sampling tasty local specialties.
Celebrating Folk Traditions
A packed schedule awaits festivalgoers. There are craft and folk art programs appealing to all ages and tastes. Theater performances and live music keep the mood light and lively, while exhibitions offer the chance to delve deeper into regional art. Don’t miss the marketplace, where local artisans and producers gather to sell unique wares. For children, special programs ensure entertainment—and the treat of homemade pancakes. Adults can relax with bowls of rustic “köttes” (köttes – a dumpling dish) and rich “ruszingulyás” (ruszingulyás – a special goulash), all under the cool trees lining Oven Hill.
Attendees are encouraged, if able, to support the event either by attending or through donations, helping ensure these traditions are passed along for generations to come.
Where to Stay: Options for Every Taste
Looking for somewhere authentic to rest after a day of celebration? The region offers character-filled places for every type of traveler.
The “100 Year Old Guesthouse” (100 éves vendégház), perched on the edge of Bódvaszilas in the picturesque Gömör–Torna Karst (Gömör–Tornai-karszt), offers seven private rooms—each with its own bathroom and mini-fridge—accommodating up to 16 guests.
For those wanting to be at the heart of nature, the “Égervölgye Youth Camp” (Égervölgye Ifjúsági Tábor) sits just outside Perkupa in Aggtelek National Park (Aggteleki Nemzeti Park). Ideal for groups or families, it offers 112 beds spread across seven cozy wooden cabins and two large stone houses. The camp’s 13.5-acre grounds are covered in beech forest and bordered by a mountain brook—perfect for recapturing that summer camp magic.
There is also a fully renovated traditional guesthouse in Bódvarákó—peaceful and stylish, perfect for hikers or anyone seeking a restful retreat in the historic village, deep within the national park.
If you’re looking for wellness, try the family-run boarding house close to the center of town and the famous L’Huillier–Coburg Manor (L’Huillier–Coburg-kastély). With private baths in each of its six rooms (including a spacious family suite), there’s also a small wellness area: a massage pool, spacious Finnish and infrared saunas, and a welcoming communal lounge. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available onsite.
Boróka Guesthouse (Boróka Vendégház) in Tornaszentandrás provides three triple rooms and a cozy, family atmosphere.
For historic ambience, check into the Eszterházy–Koós Mansion (Eszterházy–Koós-kúria) in Bódvaszilas, now a municipal guesthouse. It offers two apartments (sleeping up to 16 and 14 respectively) with shared kitchens, showers, and a large courtyard. Note: the mansion is closed for guest stays in the fall and winter.
Fenyő Guesthouse (Fenyő Vendégház) in Perkupa charms with a blend of rustic romance and modern comfort—ideal for anyone longing for quiet village days.
Eat, Drink, and Unwind
No festival is complete without good food. In Bódvaszilas, the Bódva Restaurant (Bódva Étterem) offers classic Hungarian flavors, and the Fekete Bárány Restaurant and Guesthouse (Fekete Bárány Étterem és Vendégház) is a welcoming stop for both locals and visitors eager to explore the region’s cultural and culinary highlights.
Paszti Confectionery (Paszti Cukrászda) in Szendrő is a sweet lover’s paradise, serving cakes and pastries in a cozy setting.
Wine enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the cellars of the Bükk Wine Region (Bükki Borvidék), the northernmost vineyards on Császta Hill (Császta-hegy) in Edelény. With three hectares of premium grapes, the cellars are carved into sandstone and clay slate, producing wines consistently rated first-class since 2000.
And remember: festival organizers reserve the right to change programs or schedules, so check ahead before finalizing your plans. One thing is guaranteed, though—whatever the weather or timetable, fun and folk traditions await in Tornabarakony (Tornabarakony).
