Events

Simon-Judas Fair

The national fair, with over 600 years of history, is considered one of the largest autumn events of its kind in Hungary. Vendors offering a wide variety of goods come from all over the country and neighboring nations, with around five hundred stalls expected. This year, the fair will take place on October 26, though it traditionally occurred on October 28 for centuries. The fair is named after St. Simon of Tadé, the patron saint of hopeless causes, whose cult was carefully preserved by Ferenc Nádasdy III. Over the centuries, much has changed about the event, including the range of goods offered, adapting to the needs of the times. The number of vendors has also fluctuated, sometimes dwindling, other times swelling to four or five thousand amidst the storms of history. Nowadays, the streets on Friday are filled with the aromas of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and traditional street food, while groups of friends gather to eat, drink, and chat among the still-assembling market stalls. On Saturday, a wide selection of goods awaits visitors, ranging from handmade crafts to the most modern consumer products. If you’re curious to experience a six-century-old fair, mark your calendar for October 25-26 in Sárvár!