2026 The Pentecostal Baptism at Chiosomlyo
22 May - 25 May

The Pentecostal pilgrimage to Csíksomlyó is one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in Hungary, held every year on the feast of Pentecost for more than 450 years. The centre of the pilgrimage is the Franciscan monastery of Csíksomlyo, where the famous 16th century statue of the Virgin Mary of Csíksomlyo is kept, a symbol of the survival of the Catholic faith in Transylvania.
According to tradition, the roots of the pilgrimage go back to the events of 1567, when the Szeklers defended their Catholic faith against violent attempts at conversion. To commemorate this, the faithful come to Csíksomlyo every year with gratitude and vows.
The highlight of the celebration is the Holy Mass on Pentecost Saturday, which is held on the saddle between the Small and the Great Sombly Mount, at the altar of the Three Hills. Pilgrims often arrive in organised groups from Transylvania, other parts of the Carpathian Basin and many countries around the world, often over several days on foot. The service is characterised by prayer, singing, procession and community presence, with the number of participants often reaching hundreds of thousands.
The Feast of Csíksomlyó is not only a religious event, but also an encounter of national and cultural significance, which is one of the most important symbols of faith, belonging and tradition for Hungarian communities.