The above-mentioned epoch was inspired by an infamous ball in 1798, serving as an inauguration of Count Ferenc Széchenyi’s Lord Lieutenancy which the greatest poet of the Hungarian Enlightenment, Mihály Csokonai Vitéz himself attended.

The carnival programme includes fire jumping, burying puppets symbolizing the winter, bear hunt & castration and a mock wedding.

Traditional folk games, handicraft playgrounds, and folk puppet shows provide entertainment for children and families alike during the three-day event. No one goes hungry or thirsty, as a wide selection of delicious traditional Hungarian food and mulled wine are offered out in the street stalls.

Dorottya Ball is the highlight of the event – it is held in the mirror room of Hotel Dorottya, where the Prince of Carnival makes his appearance and, and with his kiss transforms the old lady Dorottya into a beautiful young princess.

A regular episode in the history of Carnival Days is the “Hills of Kaposvár” half-marathon, the route of which passes by the attractions of the town starting out from Kossuth square.