Historically, Debrecen’s geographical location was problematic, it was isolated and poorly protected, it did not have a castle or even a city wall. Only the diplomatic decisions of the city forefathers could secure its safety.
Why and how the city was granted so many new privileges from the centralized powers that be at the beginning of the 15th century is still an open question. The most important of these privileges was the right to hold fairs since trade ensured the riches continued to flow into Debrecen’s coffers, enabling continuous development of the city.
Debrecen overcame the devastation of the Turks and the break-up of the country into three parts and thereafter continued to flourish into the 17th century, with the wealth and significance of Debrecen increasing, – mainly due to the booming cattle trade.
Debrecen was located along the trade routes connecting the Great Plain with Transylvania and the Highlands, enabling merchants to transport carts, cattle, horses, wheat, and wine to the German markets.
Following this tradition, the “Mihály-napi vásár” (Michael’s Day Fair) is held every spring and autumn. The fair is the largest fair in the country. Twice a year, visitors come from all over to sample the goods from suppliers from all over the region, housed in tents set up on Böszörményi Road.
You can find here high-quality textiles, pottery, hand-carved, and custom-made products. Don’t miss the tasting of good small-scale cheeses, strudel, oven-baked bread, and grilled sausages, as well as the high-quality Hungarian wines and brandy and handcrafted beers.
This year, the fair will be held on October 5-6, where nearly 1,200 manufacturers and suppliers will be offering their products to visitors. Location: Street of Böszörményi (from the school “Áprád Vezér” to Füredi”).
Photo credit: sokszinuvidek.24.hu
