In the fields of Hosszúfalu (Dolga Vas), the pounding of hooves can be heard early in the morning, and the air is filled with the sound of trumpets and excitement. Spectators gather with flags in hand, and riders line up in ornate hussar uniforms.

This is the Mura Region Gallop (Muravidéki Vágta) – which has returned to its starting location after many races in Lendva (Lendava) – it is not just a competition, but a celebration where tradition, equestrian culture, and tourism form a special blend. The Mura Region Gallop – as one of the regional heats for the National Gallop – is the most grandiose and important equestrian event in the Slovenian-Hungarian border region, serving as both a

A Mura Region Story Leading to Budapest

The National Gallop (Nemzeti Vágta), which has been organized since 2008 – initially in Budapest’s Heroes’ Square – has become one of the biggest celebrations of Hungarian equestrian culture. The competition is linked to numerous regional heats, of which the Mura Region Gallop is one of the most significant stages for Hungarian communities across the border.

The Mura Region Gallop is the Mura region heat of the National Gallop, one of the most beautiful cross-border celebrations of Hungarian equestrian traditions. The road leading to the finals held in Hungary also starts here: riders from Dobronak (Dobrovnik), Lendva, Muraszombat (Murska Sobota), and the surrounding villages compete year after year to represent their region at this year’s contest in Szilvásvárad.

The 2025 Mura Region Gallop was already the ninth competition organized jointly by the Hungarians in Slovenia and the organizing committee of the National Gallop.

But the Mura Region Gallop is more than just a qualifying race. This event is a symbol of the identity and unity of the Hungarians of the Mura region, where the horse, the rider, and the community together form a tradition-preserving unit. The Mura Region Gallop is not only an equestrian competition but also an identity-strengthening, community-building, and tourism-boosting event.

Dobronak and Lendva: Keepers of the Tradition

In recent years, the names of Dobronak and Lendva have appeared increasingly often on the podium in the Mura region heats. Dobronak’s riders stand out for their discipline, preparation, and sportsmanship, while the village transforms the Gallop weekend into a tourist festival.

Lendva also participates with a strong presence year after year. The town attracts attention not only with its competitors but also with its hospitality and cultural diversity. On the day of the races, a craft fair, wine presentations, and folk music programs await visitors, and in the evening, the vineyard hill offers a spectacular view of the Mura region landscape – and the sunset, which shines in a different light even from the saddle of a horse.

Equestrian Tradition – Tourist Opportunity

Both equestrian gallops offer a special experience for sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. Behind the rhythm of the hooves lies an economic and cultural vibrancy.

During the Mura Region Gallop, the region’s tourist service providers – guesthouses, wineries, restaurants – come alive. Visitors taste local wines, buy handcrafted products, and get acquainted with the unique gastronomy of the Mura region. The event thus simultaneously attracts tourists and strengthens the local economy.

The day of the gallop is therefore not just about the horses, but also about the presentation of the region. Every settlement represents itself with stands, flags, and folk costumes – a living, moving tourist exhibition unfolds around the track. These successes and initiatives show that equestrian competitions are capable of connecting tradition with a modern approach to tourism and directing international attention to the Mura region.

A Bridge Between Two Countries

The specialty of the Mura Region Gallop is that it forms a cultural bridge between Hungary and Slovenia.

Hungarian and Slovenian visitors, riders, and organizers together cherish the common tradition – the love of horses, the closeness to nature, and the belief in the power of community. This event connects the two countries not only through sport but also through cultural diplomacy.

As Ferenc Göntér, a rider from Dobronak, puts it: “When I’m on the horse, I don’t feel whether I’m on this side of the border or the other – only that our traditions are shared.”

The Future of the Gallop: A New Engine for Tourism

The Mura Region Gallop could already be a tourist brand name today, not just an event.

The traditional equestrian programs, the accompanying gastronomic and musical events, and the natural settings all offer an experience that the modern traveler seeks: authentic, communal, and spectacular.

A tourism breakthrough point could be that the Gallop remains not just a one-day event but becomes a defining pillar of the region’s tourist calendar – which could be linked to hikes, wine routes, themed programs, and even equestrian touring routes.

The Mura Region Gallop carries on the spirit of the National Gallop – in a Mura region style.

A day when Dobronak and Lendva show once again that the equestrian tradition is not a reflection on the past but a living tourism opportunity. A day when the horse not only races but also builds bridges between cultures, countries, and people. And a day when the Mura region – through the pounding of hooves – makes its voice heard again in the Carpathian Basin.

The Best Riders of the Mura Region Gallop

The best riders of the Mura Region Gallop qualified as entrants for the National Gallop held in early October in Szilvásvárad.

The competition day began with the junior hussars, and from the 7 heats, the riders of 12 settlements advanced to the semi-finals on Sunday, where the heat was won by Lea Gombóc, representing Dobronak.

In a fierce final race, Anna Júlia Rozs, representing Magyarkanizsa, won the 18th National Gallop.

The Tourist Significance of the Equestrian Gallop:

The equestrian gallops are complex tourist events. Their significance can be measured in several dimensions:

Cultural Tourism: The gallops revive equestrian traditions, hussar culture, folk costumes, and symbols of Hungarian identity. Spectators receive not only a sporting experience but also a cultural journey through time.

Gastronomic and Rural Tourism: During the Mura Region Gallop, local producers, winemakers, and artisans can showcase their wares. The event also boosts the local economy – accommodation providers, catering establishments, and tourist service providers profit from the influx of visitors.

Cross-Border Cooperation: The event is a living example of Hungarian-Slovenian relations, which is valuable not only from a sporting but also from a diplomatic and cultural perspective. The cooperation between the Mura region and Hungary also creates new tourist packages, joint programs, and promotional opportunities.

Community Building and Identity Strengthening: For the Hungarians of the Mura region, the Mura Region Gallop is a celebration of community cohesion. Riders, organizers, and spectators are all part of an experience that strengthens local identity and national belonging.

• https://pomurskigalop.si/
• https://www.facebook.com/MuravidekiVagta.PomurskiGalop
• https://www.vagta.hu/
• https://www.facebook.com/NemzetiVagta

More information about the CROCUS project:

• https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101132454/it
• https://crocuseurope.eu
• https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13022258/

Our former student, Napoléon Ndayizeye, received his diploma in February and sent us the following kind words.

“As I write these words, I am sitting on a train during my farewell tour across Hungary, saying goodbye to the people and places that have shaped my life for the past two and a half years.It is a bittersweet moment; filled with gratitude, reflection, and pride; because my time at the University of Pannonia has been truly transformative.

Hungary opened its doors to me. Veszprém welcomed me and took care of me. But it was the University of Pannonia that molded me into a stronger, wiser, and more courageous version of myself. It broadened my knowledge, expanded my perspective, and added powerful momentum to my dreams.

What makes this University special is that learning does not only happen inside lecture halls. Yes, you will gain academic knowledge. But beyond that, you will explore cultures, languages, and ideas in dynamic and exciting ways; through study trips, international events, and programs that bring students together outside the classroom.

I arrived confident and ambitious. But my experience at the University of Pannonia elevated that confidence to another level. It gave me the belief that I can succeed anywhere, compete at any level, and adapt to any environment.

Today, I leave feeling prepared; not just with a degree, but with the mindset and resilience to conquer the world.

If you are dreaming about studying abroad, you are uncertain, and searching for a place that will welcome you, challenge you, and grow you. Wherever you are, I can confidently say: if you choose the University of Pannonia, you are choosing a journey that will leave you with memories full of joy, growth, and discovery. As for me, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Thank you, Napoleón, you’re amazing. We wish you all the best and continued success.

Join us and study economics, business, tourism, marketing, management in the heart of Europe at our AACSB accredited faculty.

Lisbon Tech Valley offers a 4–6 month internship opportunity. The company is located in Oeiras, in the heart of Portugal’s “Silicon Valley.” It is not a typical startup, but rather a technology incubator focused on creating AI- and automation-driven startups, rethinking industries such as real estate, finance, travel, and even HR.

Interns in the program are expected to participate actively, not just observe.

What skills you can gain:

• Roadmap to becoming AI-native — mastering the basics of prompting, AI development, and machine learning (ML).
• First-principles thinking — think like a founder, not just an employee.
• Entrepreneurial skills — learn the frameworks and methods that make startups successful.
• Career resilience — stand out in a world where AI automates everything except creativity.

IMPORTANT: The internship is unpaid. To help cover expenses, you can apply for the Pannonia Scholarship Program. For details, contact Tünde Vajda: vajda.tunde@gtk.uni-pannon.hu

(If you exceed expectations, a job opportunity will be offered. Even if there is no open position at the moment, your connections will ensure future opportunities!)

No special background is required to fill the open internship positions — only curiosity and initiative!

Available internship areas:

• Data Science & Data Engineering
• Full-Stack Development
• Computer Science / Automation
• HR & Talent Operations
• Marketing & Social Media

How to apply:

• Send your resume and motivation letter to Samuel at this email: notrecruitinga@gmail.com
• In the subject line, write the internship position you are applying for.
• Briefly answer this question in your email:
  Which traditional industry would you most like to transform using AI — and who would you help first?

The original call is downloadable from here >>>

University of Maribor International Relations Office has a Traineeship offer.

Duration of training is 6 or 12 moths

Period of training:

• 1st June 2026 – 15th December 2026
• 15th June 2026 – 15th June 2027

Conditions of payment:

Erasmus or other scholarship from home institution

What do they offer:

• All students benefits (food coupons, library)
• Work in a pleasent and international environment
• Lively and young atmosphere in the city of Maribor

Requriments:

• Well proficient in English (at least B2 level)
• Well proficient in computer programmes (Microsoft)
• Communicative, positive, dynamic and open minded person
• International experience
• Field of study is not importent
• CV with photo and Motivation Letter to one of the emails mentioned below

Main tasks:

• Collaborating with foreign partners, universities and institutons
• Administrative and other tasks, considering incomming and outgoing students
• Activities in some international projects

Deadline for application: 25th March 2026

You can send your applications to: sanja.kocijan@um.si or feb.international@um.si

To help cover expenses, you can apply for the Pannonia Scholarship Program. For details, contact Tünde Vajda: vajda.tunde@gtk.uni-pannon.hu

The original call is dowloadable from here >>>