Kalocsa

The Kalocsai Sárköz is a geographical region in South-Central Hungary comprising the low-lying Danube floodplain together with the surrounding Örjeg strip. Historically, the area covers the estate of the Archbishop of Kalocsa.

Defined geographically through their distinctive dialect, folk arts, and Catholic religion; this ethnic group are referred to as the Potá, inhabiting the area known as Kalocsai Sárköz. The region is known internationally for the brightly coloured flowers of Kalocsa embroidery and wall paintings (pingálás), with the motifs ultimately being identified as an emblem of Hungarian folk art in general. These folk arts established the boundaries of the Kalocsa region and the villages of Drágszél, Homokmégy, Öregcsertő and Szakmár, with new settlements coming to be associated with their traditional peasant culture. Today the women of Kalocsa maintain and keep the folk arts alive through their creative writing, wall painting and embroidery. Through these folk revival groups, folk dance ensembles, the museum, and the folk arts centre, Kalocsa maintains its distinctive culture and protects its identity through the folk arts.

Kalocsa and the residents of the former settlements are committed to preserving their folk arts, with many occasions throughout the year giving opportunity for creating and wearing folk costumes and holding dance performances (Midsummer Night’s Festival, Danube Folklore Festival, Kalocsa Paprika Days Festival, village festivities and harvest dances). These events attract participants of all ages, which make it possible to pass on elements of the culture to a wide range of individuals and communities. The city is widely involved in education within schools and the arts in the ongoing framework of cultivating living traditions.

Since 2010, Kalocsa and its living traditions (wall-painting, embroidery, costumes, dance) have been included on the list of national intangible cultural heritage.

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