On February 14, 2026, Kincsem Equestrian Park (Kincsem Lovaspark) in Tápiószentmárton hosts the 11th International Hurka-Filling Festival, a full-day celebration of pork traditions, smoky flavors, and the art of stuffing hurka. It’s not just about food: expect crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, pony rides, and a bustling makers’ market. At its core beats a rich culinary heritage—white hurka, blood hurka, and inventive specials—kept alive by teams who prepare, stuff, bake, and serve with pride.
The event embraces the belief that communities are strengthened when traditions are cherished. Across Hungary, methods vary, spices change, and techniques evolve, but the goal remains the same: enrich the table and bring people together. Here, the spirit of a village pig slaughter and the feast that follows is reimagined for a modern crowd—respectful of the past and buzzing in the present.
Program Highlights
7:00 – Teams welcomed
9:30 – Opening ceremony
10:00 – Competition begins
12:00 – Lunchtime music with Lajos Kothencz, a regular on Sláger TV
13:00 – Guinness-level spectacle: tasting of a record-setting hurka specialty titled “Hungary’s longest hand-stuffed, cold-smoked salmon hurka.” Free tasting for all guests.
14:00 – Musical set by actresses Barbara Xantus and Katalin Stubendek
17:00 – Results announced
18:00 – Shadows Memory Band live
19:00 – Valentine’s Day Ball: “Romantic Moments with Gábor Várhegyi (Gabriello)”
Host: János Mucsányi from Duna TV
All day long, the Reduce Band keeps the groove going. Side programs include funfair rides, face painting, glitter tattoos, hair braiding, crafting, and a vibrant market. With Valentine’s Day in mind, couples and romantics can expect special surprises throughout the day. Admission: about $2.70 (1,000 HUF).
Competition Mission and Patrons
Purpose: to preserve the food culture born from traditional village pig feasts. The festival pays homage to communal cooking, careful seasoning, and the art of turning humble ingredients into something unforgettable.
Reception of teams: from 7:00
Opening: 9:30
Start: 10:00
Patrons of the competition include Tibor Pogácsás, State Secretary for Municipal Affairs and Member of Parliament, and György Czerván, Member of Parliament. Supporters include Kincsem Equestrian Park (Kincsem Lovaspark) and Péter Kalacsi, sole proprietor (E.V.). The event is organized by Kincsem Equestrian Park (Kincsem Lovaspark), Tápiószentmárton.
Who Runs the Kitchen
Gastronomic oversight comes from József Németh, Code Chancellor of the Order of Open Fire (Szabadtűzi Lovagrend) and Venesz and lifetime award-winning head of the Hungarikum and Heritage Cabinet of the Hungarian National Gastronomy Association. The professional jury features certified Knights of the Order of Open Fire (Szabadtűzi Lovagrend) and experts from the National Gastronomy Association.
How to Enter
Only the first 50 teams are accepted. Entry fee: about $13.50 per team (5,000 HUF).
Categories:
A) Traditional white hurka
B) Blood hurka
C) Hurka specialty
Each team receives for white hurka: 6.6 pounds cooked rice, 11 pounds cooked, ground base meat. On request: 1.1 pounds scalded liver, 2.2 pounds cooked, ground blood, and 65.6 feet of thin casing. For the traditional white hurka, teams must work only with the provided ingredients; in the other categories, they may use their own additions. Ovens for baking the hurka are available, though teams are encouraged to bring their own and note it on registration to streamline operations.
Gear, Crew, and Judging
Organizers provide tables and base ingredients. Teams bring their own tools—hurka stuffer, bowls, trays—and their own spice blends for seasoning.
Team setup: one lead butcher and any number of helpers. The jury evaluates from first cut to final plate using internationally accepted criteria: appearance, cleanliness, efficiency, teamwork, plating, and taste. Each juror scores individually; totals determine rankings. One plated portion must be reserved for judging and kept until all evaluations are finalized to allow for any rechecks.
Prizes and Special Trophies
In all three categories, teams reaching the mark receive gold, silver, or bronze with medals and certificates. The top three in each category also take home a certificate, cup, and medals.
Special awards may include 1–2 jury-chosen distinctions per category, Best-Decorated Workstation, Best Presentation, and Most Cheerful Team. The “Tápió Region Hurka Master” Challenge Cup, offered by the Order of Open Fire (Szabadtűzi Lovagrend), goes to a team competing in all three categories based on cumulative points. The János Kocsi Memorial Cup, also a challenge trophy, honors the Best Team from the Tápió region. Additional donated prizes may be awarded with certificates to deserving hurka-makers beyond the main placements.
Accommodation can be arranged on request. The organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and program.
February 14, 2026
Tápiószentmárton
