Mezőkövesd: Matyó Culture and Leisure

• The Matyó Múzeum showcases Matyó daily life and traditions, including traditional costumes and a wedding procession.
• Matyó folk art, including its embroidery tradition, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2012.
• In the Hadas district, old farmhouses are open to visitors as local heritage museums and creative houses.
• Leisure options include a sports centre, Kavicsos-tó Szabadidőpark and Zsóry Gyógy- és Strandfürdő.

The Matyó Múzeum introduces visitors to folk life and traditions through a range of exhibits. Highlights include a Matyó wedding procession, traditional costumes, a photography and blueprint-printing workshop, the work of a surc maker, and a traditionally furnished farmhouse. The exhibits offer a glimpse of everything from clothing and crafts to scenes of everyday life.

UNESCO recognition also helps put the tradition into context: in December 2012, Matyó folk art, including Matyó embroidery, was added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Visitors with a particular interest in textile art can explore both the traditions on display and the techniques used by craftspeople.

The Takács István Gyűjtemény (Galéria) displays more than 250 works across twelve rooms. The collection includes landscapes, portraits, scenes of everyday life and fashion designs. It offers a different perspective on local art from the Matyó Múzeum, whose exhibition focuses on folk life and traditions.

At the Hadas Látogatóközpont, interactive exhibits bring the Hadas district, Matyó embroidery and traditional costume to life. In the district itself, preserved old farmhouses now serve as local heritage museums and creative houses, where visitors are welcome. The Üstökös alkotóház showcases needlework involved in making traditional costumes, including embroidery, smocking, crochet and fringe knotting. Visitors can also learn embroidery techniques at the Bútorfestő és Hímző Alkotóház.

Gingerbread is another local craft. At the Mézeskalács ház, folk craftswoman Pető Anna displays historic 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 Emlékház és Zeneház can also be requested in advance.

At the Hadnagy Úti Sportcentrum, you can use two squash courts all year round. From spring to autumn, there are also two clay tennis courts, a football tennis court and outdoor fitness equipment. Kavicsos-tó Szabadidőpark has a playground with a sandbox, slides and climbing equipment, as well as a basketball court and outdoor fitness equipment.

The Hajdu Ráfis János Mezőgazdasági Gépmúzeum offers something different: selected locomobiles and one of its 100 stationary engines are started up. Children can sit in one of the 60 tractors. The demonstrations and tractors also make the museum an interesting stop for visitors who are keen on historic agricultural machinery.

Zsóry Gyógy- és Strandfürdő features a children’s pool and a paddling pool, as well as a wellness area with saunas, a steam cabin and a hot tub, aroma oil massage, a leisure pool, and a total of eight indoor and outdoor waterslides. Operating arrangements may vary, so check which facilities are available before your visit.

A paved cycle route runs between Mezőkövesd and the Zsóry baths. If you plan to use the route, check the conditions before setting off. A community square with a health park was built in front of the baths in 2020. A playground, running track and outdoor fitness equipment are located around the central square.

Some activities require advance arrangements: groups can decorate gingerbread by prior arrangement, and a folk music event at the Gari Margit Emlékház és Zeneház can also be requested in advance. If you plan to attend either, arrange your visit beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Sály, Szomolya, Tibolddaróc, Szentistván, Bükkzsérc, Cserépváralja, Bogács and Mezőkeresztes.

What does the Matyó Múzeum showcase?

It introduces visitors to Matyó daily life and traditions, including a wedding procession, traditional costumes, workshops and a traditionally furnished farmhouse.

Can groups decorate gingerbread at the Mézeskalács ház?

Yes. Groups can decorate gingerbread by prior arrangement.

Which sports facilities are available all year round?

The Hadnagy Úti Sportcentrum has two squash courts available all year round. The tennis courts, football tennis court and outdoor fitness equipment can be used there from spring to autumn.

Where does the cycle route lead?

The paved route runs between Mezőkövesd and the Zsóry baths. Check the conditions before setting off.

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