Vigado Etterem

See a Horse Show

by JessieLang

Horse shows are a 200-year old tradition here, and they are worth seeing. At the Bakod Puszta (Bakod Farm) we were greeted with wine and bread with lard, supposedly the traditional breakfast of the cikos (Hungarian cowboys), and some music as well.

Hungarian gray cattle pulled a wagon around. They have huge long horns, with copper caps on them so they don’t stab each other.

The horses are incredibly well trained—on command, they fall over on their sides and let the riders sit or stand on them. They also sit on their haunches like dogs. The cowboys all have big whips, which they are constantly cracking. In one traditional contest, the rider has to knock a bowling pin off a block with his whip as he gallops past. They always ride bareback. During the contests, one young man on a little donkey provided some comedy.

Next we saw a variety of old wagons, including a 4-horse carriage. There is a co-driver in back who shifts his weight for balance when they turn. We were told that the word “coach” comes from the Hungarian village of Kocs, where it was developed.

The show’s impressive finale involved a team of 8 horses, hitched in a 3/3/2 formation. The rider stands on the back two, with one foot on each, as they race around and around the track.

Visitors could finish with a wagon ride, or just wander around the barn.

Unfortunately, I don't have good contact information, as we were in a group from a river cruise. I think it would be easy enough to get directions and information in Kalocsa, as it isn't far from town. (All-day tours to the horse farms can also be arranged from Budapest hotels.)

@ 10 km. from town

Kalocsa

by JessieLang

Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary, founded by King Stephen in the year 1000. Once they managed to control the river’s floods, this Puszta region became productive for agriculture. Puszta means desert or plain.

The area is known for paprika. It is harvested in September, and the whole community participates. Kids even get out of school to help. The Turks introduced it, but the Hungarians have developed many kinds within the broad categories of sweet, mild, and hot.

Kalocsa

by mvtouring

"Kalocsa"

Kalocsa is the oldest town of the Danube-Tisza Interstice with an archbishopric and it is an administrational, educational, cultural and touristic centre. Its folk art and folk dancing is a symbol of Hungarian appearance. The town and the area are famous throughout the world for the red pepper grown and processed locally. Kalocsa is rich in relics of art history that arouse the interest of many visitors. An ethnic German village, Hajós can be found in the near which is well-known for its wine culture, is repectful of its German traditions and its village of wine-cellars.