The beloved Hétrétország Festival returns in 2025, bringing together tradition, music, art, food, and community throughout one of Hungary’s most scenic regions, Őrség (Őrség). Running from August 9 to 17, this unique event transforms Őrség (Őrség) into a whimsical imaginary country—Hétrétország—centered around the capital, Őriszentpéter (Őriszentpéter), and spanning some 22 picturesque villages. The festivities embrace local hospitality through open homesteads, lively gatherings, open-minded conversations, intelligent entertainment, and hands-on cultural exchange.
Day One: Tradition and Global Tunes
The festival kicks off on August 9 at noon in Szatta (Szatta) Village Hall with “Our Life in the Őrség… – Day for Heritage and Values.” This day brings together local “lantern bearers”—craftspeople, guardians of ancient trades, and traditional food experts—for a vibrant fair. It celebrates the beating heart of Őrség (Őrség) through stalls, demonstrations, and storytelling.
At 5:00 PM, the Őriszentpéter (Őriszentpéter) Mill Visitor Center hosts Anna Adamik and Rita Solymár, pianists from abroad, in a concert titled “2 x 2.” Classical and modern four-hand piano pieces—from György Kurtág’s Games (Játékok), to Debussy’s Petite Suite and Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite No. 2—blend seamlessly, highlighting the synergy of their talents.
At 8:00 PM, the renowned cimbalom virtuoso Miklós Lukács takes the stage at the Barn Theater (Pajtaszínház) with “TIMELESS.” His new solo album adapts global classics by Lennon–McCartney, Sting, Morricone, Bernstein, Keith Jarrett, Harold Arlen, and Rezső Seress to the cimbalom, showcasing both the instrument’s versatility and his inventive vision. A special piece, Aura – Hommage to Péter Eötvös, honors the late contemporary music master. Advance tickets cost $8.20 online or $12.40 at the door.
Day Two: Literary Games and Songwriting
August 10 begins at 10:00 AM with “Lyukasóra”—a spirited literary quiz game at the Mill Visitor Center. Seasoned writers and poets test each other and the audience with hidden gems from great poets, peppered with anecdotes and playful banter reminiscent of an old-school literary café. The beloved TV show’s live tradition now honors László Lator and invites his friends and colleagues, including Petra Finy and Judit Ágnes Kiss.
At 3:00 PM, public songwriting workshops under the tagline “Sok-a-dalom” engage participants with songwriters like László Kollár-Klemencz and János Másik.
At 5:00 PM, the Barn Theater (Pajtaszínház) hosts the Makám Trio for “Songwriting First-Hand,” blending founding member Zoltán Krulik’s guitar mastery with poems by celebrated Hungarian lyricists. Advance tickets are $5.50 online and $8.20 at the door.
At 7:00 PM, László Kollár-Klemencz and his guests continue the celebration of “Songwriting Day”—a tradition created at last year’s festival—joined by Gergely Balla, János Másik, Józsi Hegedűs, and the Chamber Ensemble (Kamarazenekar).
The night closes with a live pottery firing at 9:30 PM in the courtyard, as master potter Attila Albert reveals his glowing clay art straight from the outdoor kiln, each piece bearing a unique, never-to-be-repeated surface.
Nature Immersion and Poetic Evenings
On August 11 at 11:00 AM, the “Sok-a-dalom” workshop reconvenes with new faces like Balázs Szabó. At 2:00 PM, forest therapy—Shinrin-Yoku—invites attendees to a mindful, guided walk at Magyarföld’s Wooden Church (Magyarföldi Fatemplom), led by Krisztián Kiss. Participants must register in advance and pay by donation. The slow walk helps guests connect with the subtle sights, sounds, and scents of the forest, which has been proven to lower stress and boost well-being.
At 5:00 PM, “Tell Us, Attila”—an introspective performance dedicated to legendary Hungarian poet Attila József—brings Miklós Vecsei H. and collaborator Gergely Balla to the Barn Theater (Pajtaszínház). Suitable for ages 14 and up, this show delves into József’s passionate, tumultuous life through poetry and interpretation. Tickets are $8.20 in advance, $13.80 at the venue.
Evening brings “Songwriting First-Hand” back to the Barn Theater (Pajtaszínház), featuring Balázs Szabó—modern Renaissance man and bard—plus multi-instrumentalist Edina Mókus Szirtes, story-rich lyricist János Kardos-Horváth, and veteran performer Péter Huzella. Expect poetic songs spanning folk, rock, and underground genres, featuring lyrics inspired by Hungary’s greatest poets. Tickets are $9.60 in advance, $16.50 at the door.
Public workshops and round-table discussions on songwriting continue into the evening.
Cheese, Jazz, and Artistic Connections
August 12 features the region’s artisan cheese championship at Szalafő (Szalafő), judged by the country’s leading experts. Visitors enjoy guided tastings, professional talks, and discussions with producers.
In the afternoon, János Márton Kemény stuns with guitar improvisations influenced by jazz, contemporary classical music, and African and Eastern sounds. His performance, inspired by unique plucked instruments like the kora and oud, intertwines melody, rhythm, and emotion, showcasing an artistry that draws deeply on connection—both to music and to the audience.
