From February 1-3, our iconic park in Debrecen invites everyone to celebrate the traditions of the cívis city’s carnival in a truly special environment, with a colorful variety of programs to chase away winter and welcome the arrival of spring.
The event is built around the Bear Weather Prediction Day tradition, which says that if Dönci, the Eurasian black bear, sees his shadow, we can expect a long winter. In the spirit of celebrating traditions and nature, our Bear Carnival aims to bring carnival customs to life while also offering fun and educational activities.
Throughout the three days, our rich program ensures unforgettable experiences for the whole family. On Saturday, we kick things off with a Carnival Costume Contest, welcoming visitors dressed for the occasion. Uncle Tibi Réti’s carnival performance will further enhance the festive atmosphere. At our must-visit craft workshops, participants can enjoy face painting, mask and costume-making, candle dipping, and even a teddy bear sewing workshop for the “crafty little bear cubs.”
The Teddy Bear Hospital program offers children a playful and interactive way to overcome their fears of doctors and medical treatments, while teaching them the basics of healthcare. During the activity, children can explore a simulated clinic equipped with medical tools, where they can observe or perform “treatments” on their own toy bears, building trust and cooperation with healthcare professionals.
Children can also experience the carnival spirit through storytelling, with puppet shows like The Grumpy Bear’s Carnival and stories from Little Bear Tales. Throughout the event, visitors can explore the Bear World – Zoo Life Images exhibition or the Bears and Bear Books collection at the Samburu Panorama Terrace. There will also be a bear-themed play corner. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the family bear selfie point, taste honey from the Tamási apiary, sample Dobi gingerbread, and indulge in other bear-themed treats.
Our special “Animals in Action” program offers all-day entertainment, including guided carnival tours with bear predictions and feeding demonstrations. Guests will meet not only Dönci but also red pandas, coatis, raccoons, and other animals dressed in their “natural costumes” – striking patterns or camouflage that serve as their unique “outfits.” Visitors can even symbolically adopt their favorite animals.
We encourage our visitors to dress up in their most splendid costumes or masks to enhance the festive atmosphere. However, there will also be opportunities to create cheerful disguises, noise-making tools, and animal face painting on-site.
All program elements are free of charge with a zoo pass or ticket!
