Vése heats up on July 25, 2026, as the 23rd National Blacksmith Gathering takes over Erzsébet Street for a full day where fire, iron, and craft meet culture and family fun. Masters, tradition keepers, and curious crowds from across Hungary converge to celebrate, preserve, and pass on blacksmithing heritage to younger generations.
Craft, Competition, Community
For centuries, blacksmiths shaped life in Hungarian villages. This gathering salutes that legacy with one of the country’s standout professional and cultural events. Beyond live forging shows and hands-on demonstrations, top smiths test their skill in a traditional blacksmithing competition. Visitors get a close-up look at dramatic ironworking processes while soaking in the values of Hungarian craftsmanship. It’s not just a trade meetup—it’s a family festival where heritage, community, and entertainment all share the stage.
Music, Market, and More
The lineup spans cultural performances, folk and pop acts, a bustling craft market, wellness programs, and a blood drive run by the Hungarian Red Cross. Expect sets from Veronik, Jácint Bradics, Csilla Erdélyi, and Tomi Sipos with a live act, before party-starters ZERO light up the night until midnight. Organizers promise meaningful downtime for every age group—fans of traditional trades, families, and anyone chasing quality entertainment. The event underscores how living craft heritage still forges community across generations.
Program Highlights
From 10:00 AM:
– Ceremonial opening
– Blacksmithing competition launch
– Heritage firefighting show
– Firefighter family picnic
– Kids’ programs
Afternoon:
– “Jó ebédhez szól a nóta” lunchtime tunes
– Magyarhertelendi Bordal-kör
– Vései Énekkar with hits and old melodies
– Kőrögyi Ady Endre Hungarian Cultural Association mixed choir
– Nagydobsza Municipal and Community Development Association mixed choir
– Blacksmithing competition close and awards
– Young couples “forged together”
– Veronik – “Jó a kedvem” musical show
– Jácint Bradics
– Csilla Erdélyi – Zsuzsa Cserháti tribute
– Tomi Sipos – live act
– ZERO party until midnight
Across the Venues
At the forge, lakeside, and market street:
– On-site forging, blacksmith museum
– Period-furnished village house
– Petting zoo
– Craft workshops
– Craft fair and demos
– Folk playhouse
– Blood donation, first aid and life-saving demo classes
– Blood donation: 2:00–5:00 PM (indoors at the Cultural House if bad weather)
– Blood sugar checks, bone density tests, and other wellness advice
– Heritage firefighting show
– Couples symbolically “forged together”
Where and When
July 25, 2026, Vése, 8721 Erzsébet utca (Erzsébet Street). Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.
