Panyola brings back its beloved tradition on Saturday, February 7, 2026, with the 12th Panyola Heritage Carnival (Panyolai Hagyományőrző Farsang), a riotous, old-school farewell to winter that spills across multiple spots in the village. Locals and visitors take to the streets together as Szatmár’s costumed tricksters flood the lanes for a noisy, living celebration of regional customs and the legendary Szamosháti carnival whirl.
Where Memories Turn Into Theater
Say Poultry Picker (Pulyaszedő), Gypsy Woman (Cigányasszony), bear, stork, funeral scene, and carnival parade in Szatmár-Bereg, and everyone pictures Panyola. That’s the point: reviving folk scenes from the spinning room and bringing village lore to life. The roots run deep—back in 1965, a serious TV crew documented the tradition based on Professor Zoltán Ujváry’s fieldwork, preserving a snapshot that Panyola has since brought back in full color.
The Mayor Who Made It Happen
Village leader Zoltán Muhari, a self-described “gyüttment” who moved in from outside, embraced every tradition he found and, with the Szamos Riverside Retirees’ Club (Szamosparti Nyugdíjas Klub), passed those guarded memories to younger generations. Together they dusted off dramatic folk plays and made them public so the customs could live again.
Costumes, Music, and Real Flavors
“For 12 years we’ve chased winter away with a heritage parade. We started by entertaining the village, and since then we’ve held conferences and exhibitions, rescuing attic relics that make Szamos Plain folkways even more authentic. Busós, the bull-beaters of Carei (Nagykároly), and masked groups from across Hungary and beyond have joined us to keep carnival culture alive,” says Mayor Muhari.
How the Day Unfolds
Masked locals and travelers roam the five-street village, stopping for folk dance, dramatic sketches, and unmistakable Szatmár flavors. The wildly popular Panyola wedding scene and proposal return with guaranteed chaos and charm.
Schedule, Food, and Finale
12:00 Gathering to live music at Festival Square (Fesztiváltér, Szamosvég St. 5), with pork-feast dishes, carnival doughnuts, and the essential Szatmár plum pálinka. 13:00 Suit up in costume at the Community House (Közösségi Ház, Szombathelyi St. 10). 14:00 Panyola wedding scene and proposal, then the carnival parade sets off from Festival Square. 18:00 Evening táncház with Lóri Heit and His Band. Guest village: Perbenyik, Slovakia—now a sister settlement—joins to share in Szatmár’s carnival traditions. The parade loops back to Festival Square, ending in dance, folk music, and treats across Panyola. Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.
