Mezőkövesd: Matyó Traditions and Experiences
Accommodation in Mezőkövesd
Mezőkövesd combines Matyó traditions with museums, crafts, sports and the Zsóry Bath. This makes it an interesting destination for different kinds of holiday: some days can focus on folk art and local history, others on exercise or time at the bath. There are also specific things for families with children to discover, such as the Agricultural Machinery Museum and Kavicsos-tó Recreation Park.
Mezőkövesd 1948, Mátyás király út. Lányok matyó népviseletben
Photo: Photo: FOTO:Fortepan — ID 73059 : Adományozó/Donor: Lissák Tivadar.
Matyó Culture and Local History
The Matyó Museum brings Matyó everyday life and traditions to life. Exhibits include a Matyó wedding procession, traditional costumes, a photography and blue-dye workshop, surc coat-making, and a traditionally furnished farmhouse. Matyó folk art, including Matyó embroidery, was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2012.
The Takács István Collection (Gallery) offers a different perspective on art: more than 250 works are displayed in twelve rooms, including landscapes, portraits, genre scenes and fashion designs. A new, modern Reformed church was handed over in 2021.
The Hadas Visitor Centre presents the Hadas district, Matyó embroidery and traditional dress through interactive features. The old farmhouses preserved in Hadas now serve as local history museums and creative houses, and are open to visitors. At the Üstökös Creative House, visitors can see handicrafts associated with making traditional costumes: embroidery, smocking, crochet and fringe-tying. Visitors can also learn about embroidery techniques at the Bútorfestő és Hímző Creative House.
Gingerbread combines demonstrations with hands-on activities: at the Mézeskalács House, folk-art artisan Pető Anna displays historical gingerbread moulds and explains the meaning of their symbols. Groups can decorate gingerbread there by prior arrangement. A folk music event at the Gari Margit Memorial House and Music House can also be requested by prior arrangement.
Activities and Discoveries for Different Days
At the Hajdu Ráfis János Agricultural Machinery Museum, some locomobiles and one of its 100 different stationary engines are started up. Children can sit in one of the 60 tractors. The demonstrations and machinery give the museum visit a different focus from the exhibitions on traditional dress and crafts.
The Hadnagy Úti Sports Centre has two squash courts available all year round. From spring to autumn, visitors can also use two clay tennis courts, a lábfoci court and outdoor fitness equipment. Kavicsos-tó Recreation Park has a playground with a sandpit, slides and climbing frames, a basketball court and outdoor fitness equipment. In 2020, a communal area with a health park was created in front of the Zsóry Bath. Around the central square are a playground, a running track and outdoor fitness equipment.
Zsóry Bath and Cycle Path
The Zsóry Medicinal and Beach Bath offers children’s pools and a paddling pool, a wellness area with saunas, a steam cabin and a whirlpool, aromatic oil massages, an adventure pool, and a total of eight indoor and outdoor slides. Operating arrangements may vary; check the latest information before your visit.
A dedicated cycle path runs between the Zsóry Bath and Mezőkövesd. If you plan to use it, check the route conditions before setting out.
When choosing a holiday apartment in Mezőkövesd, a good place to start is the mix of activities you want: should your stay focus mainly on Matyó traditions and museums, or more on bathing, exercise and sports?
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For the main travel overview: Mezőkövesd.
