Every October, fans of the Middle Ages from all over Hungary descend upon Zsámbék. But in 2025, the seventh Fékomadta Festival won’t just take over this picturesque village—now, the legendary Castle of Esztergom (Esztergomi vár) is joining the festivities too. From October 9 to 11, two epic historic sites will come alive with sword-wielding warriors, mounted knights, master craftsmen, musicians, and a jam-packed interactive program, all ready to immerse visitors in medieval times. And the best part? Admission is absolutely free.
Two Towns, One Medieval Experience
Opening day kicks off at the Castle Museum of Esztergom (Esztergomi Vár Múzeuma), featuring a reconstruction of the royal court worthy of Hungary’s greatest kings. Starting at 2 pm, the ramparts fill with bustling merchants, creative artisans, loyal servants, traveling minstrels, and colorful jesters—all ready to transport you back to the 12th century. As evening falls, the scent of a medieval feast drifts from the field kitchens, while costumed interpreters reveal the culinary secrets, wardrobes, tools, and fascinating customs of the Árpád era. Participants in the grand “King’s Road” historic endurance trek—which links Visegrád, Esztergom, and Zsámbék—are honored in a rousing chapel ceremony before everyone heads to the reconstructed banquet and garden party. If that’s not enough excitement, the castle even offers a flashlight-guided tour late at night for the curious.
Zsámbék: Knights, Legends, and Village Life
Day two opens the Zsámbék (Zsámbék) chapter of Fékomadta. This year, the legendary Aynard (Ajnárd) knightly family takes center stage, with guided tours led by archaeologist Dr. Tamás Pusztai. Recent research suggests Aynard himself was a Norman count who arrived in Hungary in 1097, escorting the future queen—a Sicilian noblewoman. In gratitude, the king gifted Aynard the area of Zsámbék and its surrounding lands; his descendants built the local monastery and Zsámbék’s famous Old Church (Öregtemplom). Seven years ago, local artists and historians created the Fékomadta Festival to bring these medieval roots, myths, and folk traditions to life.
On October 10, festivalgoers are invited to join historical reenactment teams in pitching tents and setting up a bustling medieval encampment. “King’s Road” endurance trekkers are greeted with fanfare, after which it’s time to uncork the region’s best wines with the Nyakas Hill Wine Route Association (Nyakas-hegy Borút Egyesület), set to live Celtic music performed by the band Fandyr.
Handcrafts, Wild Battles, and Living Legend
On October 11, every corner of Zsámbék transforms into a hands-on playground for medieval fans of all ages. At the ruins of the Old Church, costumed performers lead lively tours, while a noon prayer in medieval style fills the ancient halls. Starting at 10 am, the Zárdakert springs to life—a recreated Árpád-era village where blacksmiths, potters, stone carvers, and other craftspeople work at blazing forges and wheels. Kids can explore a fairy-tale “Elf House” (Manóháza), while everyone else can dive into open workshops.
Soon the marketplace erupts with drummers, bagpipers, and the irresistible aromas from traditional kitchens serving fall-off-the-bone roasts. Wash it down with frothy beer or local Nyakas (Nyakas-hegyi) wine, all while learning archery or testing your skills in mock duels. The festival creates a paradise of communal medieval games, gypsy tricks, and military role-playing—step in, and suddenly you’re a peasant or a knight yourself, caught up in battle drills, bridge fights, and the ever-popular reenactments of full-scale historic wars.
As darkness falls over Zsámbék, the legendary torchlit parade unleashes the “Zsámbék Bestiary” (Zsámbéki Bestiárium). Towering monsters, giants, witches, and fire jugglers roam the medieval streets, conjuring the wildest folklore of the era. Music takes over in the evening, with the Hangdagasztó interactive music workshop setting the rhythm in the afternoon. Then come the rousing concerts: Zoord and Musica Veneris take the stage before Kontáros lights up a wild Moldovan folk dance party, and the “Ősbikinifenék” folk tavern swings until late.
Epic Schedule at a Glance
October 9, Castle Museum of Esztergom:
– 2 pm: The castle comes alive with trade and crafts
– 4 pm: Arrival ceremony for endurance race participants
– 5 pm: Royal prayer in the chapel
– 6 pm: Reconstructed medieval feast and outdoor revelry
– 10 pm: Castle closes
October 10, Zsámbék:
– 3 pm: Tent pitching by reenactment teams
– 6 pm: Endurance race welcome
– 7 pm: Wine tasting and Celtic music with Fandyr
October 11, Zsámbék:
– 10:30 am: Legendary Aynard family tour
– 12 pm: Angelus prayer in the Old Church
– 10 am onwards: Medieval village activities, craft demonstrations, marketplace, kids’ programs, archery, dueling, and livestock shows
– Afternoon: Military warm-up, bridge fight, artisan hours, medieval marsh people demonstration
– 4:30 pm: Historic mass battle
– 5:30 pm: Bestiary parade with creatures and fire shows
– Evening: Concerts till late
The Fékomadta Festival is free for all, and all ages are welcome. Organizers reserve the right to change the program and schedule, but one thing is certain: this is the wildest blast from Hungary’s medieval past you’ll experience all year.
