September 13, 2025 marks the return of the rowdy and delicious Székesfehérvár Lecsó Cooking Carnival (Fehérvári Lecsófőző Vigasság) in downtown Székesfehérvár, centered in Zichy Park (Zichy liget) and along Móri Road (Móri út). The city’s annual lecsó-fueled party promises another year packed with music, dancing, games, street performances, and of course, the beloved lecsó stew bubbling in hundreds of cauldrons.
Competition and Community
This festival isn’t just about tasty stew—it’s a fierce competition, too. Cooks from around Hungary team up as families, friends, and colleagues, hoping their peppery creations will win over the judges. By evening, the all-important question is answered: who will be crowned the 2025 Lecsó King (Lecsókirály)? The Sipi Memorial Cup (Sipi Emlékkupa) will also find a new champion, and the prize for Most Decorative Cooking Spot (Legdekoratívabb Főzőhely) will go to the flashiest setup.
More Than Lecsó
Besides stew and contests, festival-goers can catch live bands and dancers on the Zichy Park (Zichy liget) main stage, wander through tents packed with games for all ages, and be serenaded by street musicians. Székesfehérvár’s retirees have their own sports competition, with awards presented during the festivities.
The entire event is an open invitation to relax, feast, and revel—just don’t be surprised if the schedule changes at the last minute, as the organizers always keep things flexible!
