The 20th Haluska Festival in Vanyarc (Vanyarcz) returns on September 13, 2025, bringing locals and visitors together for a day of culinary competition and cultural tradition. Haluska, also known as sztrapacska, is a beloved potato dumpling dish made famous by Slovak influences and adored by the legendary local writer Kálmán Mikszáth, who especially loved it when Rozika prepared it for his wife’s family.
Festival Fun and Tasty Rivalry
The main event is the sztrapacska cooking contest, where teams aim to impress the judges with their unique twist on this classic recipe. Participants and guests can also join the haluska-eating competition or showcase their poetic talents with haluska-themed verses and rhymes. Everyone is welcome to join the fun on this festive Saturday!
Haluska Like Grandma Used to Make
For six servings, start by grating 2.2 pounds of peeled raw potatoes. Blend in about 14–18 ounces of flour, adjusting to get a medium-thick dough. Drop small dumplings into boiling salted water using a dumpling cutter. Traditionally, the dough was cut with a spoon or dull knife from a board. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When the dumplings float, scoop them out and drizzle with a bit of fat or oil to keep them from clumping.
Flavor your haluska with sheep or cow’s curd cheese (brindza), sautéed sweet or sour cabbage, mashed potatoes, fried onions, or even crispy bacon or cracklings on top. In old Vanyarc (Vanyarcz), sour cream wasn’t added—homemade cheese was rich enough, and the cream was reserved for making butter instead.
Tradition, Family, and a Good Appetite
In the past, haluska was served in large wooden or clay bowls, placed in the middle of the table for everyone to gather around and enjoy together. The festival keeps that communal spirit alive, celebrating both the flavors and the heritage of the region.
The organizers reserve the right to change the date or program.
