Nemzeti Vágta/National Gallop, Hősök tere, Budapest, October 10-11, 2020
Hungarian traditions in the saddle
The first National Gallop was held in 2008 and it has since become the biggest equestrian festival in Hungary. But the occasion isn’t all about horses, and is just as much a festival celebrating the countryside towns and villages.
The popular event has lots of national culture, with many stands where visitors can see and buy traditional Hungarian clothing from different regions, and taste various foods, wine, pálinka and sausages. The “Kitchen of Hungary” (Magyarország Konyhája) and the “Wine Garden” (Borkert) offer their various products and there is always dancing on display.
The horse competition itself is not just about one action-filled race, the National Gallop, as there are several competitions arranged during a typical Nemzeti Vágta weekend. These have included the Little Hussar gallop, the Chariot Gallop Celebrity Race and the Cart Pushing Competition.
Each year around 100 settlements nominate for the spectacular Vágta, out of which riders are chosen through regional contests. Any Hungarian citizen aged 18 and older can enter, male or female without weight limitations.
All in all, the event is a celebration of grand Hungarian traditions as majestic Heroes’ Square is transformed into a one-of-a-kind racecourse for the weekend.