Nemzeti Vagta

So this weekend was the Nemzeti Vagta, which I was very surprised to discover was only the second annual celebration of the event. Translated as the "national gallop," this basically consisted of horse riders from most of the towns in Hungary competing in many rounds of short horse races, to discover an eventual winner. The catch, though, was that they raced around Hero's square, at city park, in the middle of the city. Many towns also sent booths illustrating some highlight (often booze, unsurprisingly) from their town.

We went on Sunday, and the weather was lousy. Almost nobody was there, so we wound up watching only two rounds of racing before heading to grab a bite at the food stands and wander back. Monday, a holiday here, Lyla and I went back. The weather was much better, the crowds more energetic, and we had a fun time watching the ceremonial events. The demonstrations of the Hussars and the conquest of Hungary, with riders dressed, respectively, in finely decorated velvet or leather Hun-like armor, were very fun.

In all it was a great event. I hope it goes well for Hungary, and keeps getting bigger and more interesting. What a fun and unusual thing to have right in the city center!

Read more about the Hussars here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussar

Read more about the conquest of Hungary here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hungary#Middle_Ages_.28895.E2.80.931526.29

horse racing

Lyla, Briggi, and I. Yes the weather was so bad as to necessitate wooly hats.

baby Hussars

Hussars and pretty horses

A scary dude shouting and wielding a sword. They then shot arrows from their horses at a gong held by a nervous-looking teenager.