Betyár Meeting at Hetényegyháza
On September 20, 2025, a special cultural event was held at Sárga Tanya near the city of Kecskemét, Hungary, titled "Betyár Meeting at Hetényegyháza". At the invitation of our friend Varga Pali, representatives of the Hungarian-Kazakh Ethnosport and Cultural Association, Balázs Göntér and Zsánárgül Fenyvesi, attended as guests.
Kelevézek ensemble
Together with the betyárs
Presentation on Traditional Kazakh Games
During the event, Balázs Göntér delivered a comprehensive presentation on traditional Kazakh games and the V. World Nomad Games held in Astana, where they had the opportunity to represent Hungary. He explained the historical significance and cultural importance of the World Games, with particular focus on the origins of the Toguz-kumalak board game and the traditional Asyk game, their role in daily life, and their educational significance.
Following the presentation, Zsánárgül Fenyvesi concluded the lecture with her thoughts on cultural preservation and heritage, ending with singing Hungarian and Kazakh songs accompanied by the Kazakh national instrument, the dombra.
Guests and young participants were introduced to the rules of the Asyk game and its playing techniques. This hands-on demonstration provided participants with the opportunity to better understand Kazakh national games, traditions, and the educational opportunities offered by these games, which contribute to the development of children's coordination skills and strategic thinking.
This interactive approach allowed the association to further promote both Kazakh and Hungarian culture and sports, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Asyk game demonstration
Toguzkumalak game
The Betyárs
However, the main theme of the event was the Betyárs. The Betyárs were a unique social stratum that emerged in the Hungarian plains during the 18th-19th centuries. Although historical sources often portrayed them as robbers or bandits, in popular memory they lived on as symbols of freedom and defenders of justice.
The social situation in 18th-19th century Hungary was extremely difficult: many ordinary peasants were left without land, unable to completely free themselves from feudal obligations, and the burden of military service forced many young men to flee from their military duties. As a result, betyárs living outside society and the law robbed the wealth of the rich and plundered caravans to secure their livelihood.
Betyár weapons demonstration
In period costumes
The history of betyárs is not merely a chronicle of bandit life. It is an expression of the people's eternal desire for freedom and justice. They were both criminals and imaginary heroes. The legends and folk songs about them awakened people's hope and strengthened their belief that justice exists. Thus, the name of betyárs left a lasting mark on national culture and folklore.
Closing Thoughts
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all organizers who contributed to the successful execution of this remarkable event. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering support were instrumental in creating a memorable and enriching experience for all participants, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our communities.
Event participants
Cultural celebration