Meet 'Lady Gaga': Hungary's reigning goose race champion

As November's chill settles over Hungary, the Goosebumps Festival lights up towns and villages with food, wine, and centuries-old traditions. Celebrating Saint Martin's Day, this annual 17-day event is a beloved part of Hungary's cultural calendar.

One of the festival's highlights is the goose race, held in the vineyards of Etyek, just outside Budapest. Hundreds of visitors gathered this weekend to watch Lady Gaga, not the pop star, but Hungary's reigning champion goose, defend her title.

"This year, as we celebrate our estate's 25th anniversary, we're proud to continue the goose races as a tradition we started two decades ago," said Marton Puskas, director of the estate.

The race honors Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century bishop known for his humility and generosity. Legend has it that Saint Martin hid among geese to avoid being appointed bishop, but their honking gave him away. Today, the honks mark the start of feasts and festivities across Hungary.

"Saint Martin's Day is a moment for people to pause, celebrate the season's bounty, and prepare for the winter ahead," Puskas said.

The festival is a sensory feast, featuring dishes like slow-roasted goose, stewed red cabbage, and new wine from local vineyards. Chef Krisztian Balogh of Budapest's VakVarju restaurants shared his secrets for the perfect goose confit.

"Cooking the meat slowly in its own fat for six hours is the key," Balogh said. "It takes patience, but the result is worth it."

Goose confit is often paired with red cabbage and potatoes Sautãed with onions, embodying the flavors of Saint Martin's Day. Foie gras, another traditional dish, is also a seasonal favorite.

"Foie gras is my favorite dish," Balogh added. "But confit is a classic, especially at this time of year."

In addition to culinary delights, the Goosebumps Festival showcases Hungary's vibrant wine culture. Wineries debut their new vintages, offering tastings and pairings that draw thousands of visitors.

"New wines are expected around this time," Puskas explained. "While some aren't ready yet, we use this season to celebrate what's to come."

As the sun set on the vineyards, Lady Gaga once again crossed the finish line first, securing her title for another year and earning cheers from the crowd.

The Goosebumps Festival blends history, food, and community, keeping Saint Martin's Day traditions alive. From Budapest's bustling streets to Etyek's peaceful countryside, the festival is a celebration of Hungary's rich heritage and the joys of the season.