If your bucket list of getaways is missing culture, festivals, and a touch of wildlife, the town of Szarvas is set to deliver in 2025. Nestled by the scenic oxbow lakes of the Triple Körös (Hármas-Körös), Szarvas will host a nonstop parade of vibrant events, from open-air spectacles to food festivals and bone exhibitions. Whether you’re an outdoorsy type or prefer the buzz of a packed theater, this little riverside town wants to keep your calendar full.
Weekly Buzz: Never a Dull Day
Every week, Szarvas’s lively program calendar offers fresh events and happenings both in the town and surrounding areas. From October well into November, each new week brings an updated selection: exhibitions, guided walks, interactive displays, and performances. The city’s schedule aims to keep both locals and visitors entertained, no matter what day you arrive.
History Walks in Anna Grove
For those curious about local heritage, Anna Grove (Anna-liget) will host the ‘Historical Walk in Szarvas’s Anna Grove’ exhibition, retracing the fascinating past of the Körös-Maros National Park headquarters, the Csáky Mansion, and its gardens. On display are storyboards, historical facts, and a journey through a parkland that has seen everything from aristocrats to modern wildlife enthusiasts.
Bone Wonders: A Wild, Artistic Side
Looking for something genuinely unusual? The town is hosting ‘Bone Wonders’—an exhibition combining the art of skeleton preparation with stunning bird photography. There are ten meticulously prepared bird skeletons, including three creations recognized as European champions (complete with their plaques and certificates), and a unique collection of sheep skulls displaying different horn shapes and bone conditions.
The bony repertoire goes beyond birds: the exhibit also includes the skulls of Hungarian Grey Cattle, Heck cattle, and national dog breeds like the Komondor, Kuvasz, and Puli. Diverse predator skulls add to the collection, and information panels trace every step of bone specimen preparation. Kids aren’t left out—there’s a dedicated play and exploration area for young visitors to get hands-on.
See, Feed, and Learn: Animal Spotlight Days
On October 23, and again on weekends in late October and early November, the Körösvölgy Animal Park (Körösvölgyi Állatpark) raises the bar with festive animal feedings and ‘meet the species’ sessions. These lively animal introductions bring you up close with both local and exotic creatures as keepers give engaging talks. Just remember—some events require up to a 45-minute walk from the entrance, so bring comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure.
The Stage Is Alive: Theatre for All Ages
The Cervinus Theater (Cervinus Teátrum) becomes the pulsing heart of Szarvas’s arts scene throughout autumn. On October 20, ‘Édes Anna’ (Sweet Anna) brings classic drama to the Chamber Hall (Kamara Terem), while October 30 and 31 feature back-to-back performances of ‘The Witches of Salem’ (A szálemi boszorkányok—better known as The Crucible). Tickets are around $12 each.
Little ones haven’t been forgotten. November 6 features two performances of the beloved puppet play ‘Süsü the Dragon’ (Süsü, a sárkány), with ticket prices at $6 each.
For laughs and sharp insight, November 8 offers ‘What Could Go Wrong?’, a standup evening with Fruzsina Ács and Balázs Máté Szabó at the Dumaszínház, with tickets at $14.50.
Tasty Traditions: Cabbage and Sausages
If all the culture makes you hungry, mark November 8 as the date for Szarvas’s Season-Opening Stuffed Cabbage Cooking and Sausage-Making Festival. Expect a mouthwatering contest with the finest homemade flavors Hungary does best.
Repeat Visit: More to Explore
Exhibitions like Bone Wonders and the Historical Walk in Anna Grove run over consecutive weeks, with new enthusiasts and curious passersby welcome every weekend. There’s no rush—wander through intricate displays one week and return for new discoveries the next.
So whether you want the thrill of live theater, a taste of traditional Hungarian cuisine, a walk through history, or an encounter with champion bird skeletons, Szarvas promises there’s no such thing as an uneventful day in its 2025 calendar.
