St. Demetrius Driving-In Festival and Crane FestivalSzent Dömötör-napi Behajtási Ünnep és Darufesztivál

The Darufesztivál in Hortobágy is an annual autumn festival celebrating the traditional herding culture of the Great Plain. Shepherds (gulyások) and their livestock (gyümölőskázsák) enact the centuries–old ritual of driving cattle, horses, and other animals from the pastures into the winter quarters 1 2. The event features a colorful procession along the plains, folk performances, a craft market, and gazdag falatok (hearty countryside meals). Visitors can witness the pásztortűz (shepherds' bonfire) and artisanal competitions like the Darukonyha (Crane-kitchen cooking contest).

Hortobágy has long been the heart of Hungary's pastoral tradition. Ancient Magyar herding customs, including the seasonal movement of livestock at Szent Dömötör (St. Demetrius) feast, are revived during this festival 1. The crane (daru), a symbol of the Hortobágy National Park, also features prominently, linking nature and folk culture. The celebration embodies the region’s identity as "Hungary's Great Plain pasture" with living traditions of shepherd clans.