“German village” once echoed through this town. Today we stand near Vecsés–Ercsi a testament to industry.
Vecsés, a town known for its cabbage and sauerkraut, holds stories far beyond agriculture. Let’s delve into its past.
Picture this. It’s not just pipelines. It is about a town shaped by settlers and traditions. In 1786, Count Antal Grassalkovich settled families here. Most were Swabian. Some were Slovakian and Hungarian. These Swabian farmers brought sauerkraut production. Even today, Vecsés is known for it.
The village grew quickly. By the late 19th century, it thrived. Social, cultural, and political life bustled. World War II brought much suffering. Still, Vecsés retained its unique character. In 2001, it became a town.
But Vecsés wasn’t always Hungarian. After the Ottoman rule, settlers arrived in 1768. Prince Anton Grassalkovich II called for them. Many came from Swabian villages. The German population grew. Vecsés became a “German village.” By 1797, it had its own priest. It also had a German-speaking Catholic school.
The railway in 1847 brought more residents. The German part of Vecsés kept its atmosphere. This community stayed close until displacement.
Farmers in Vecsés prospered. They sold vegetables. Cabbage was their specialty. Around 1920, 400 carriages of produce went to Budapest daily. Sauerkraut became Vecsés’ most famous product. It still supports many today.
Dark times fell in January 1945. Germans faced prosecution. 327 citizens were deported to the Soviet Union. They were forced laborers. In 1946, 1,500 people were displaced from Vecsés. They resettled in Germany. Agricultural workers from elsewhere replaced them.
After 1990, German customs returned. The brass band plays again. Sauerkraut is still made with love. The Corpus Christi procession continues. Flower carpets adorn altars. Rheinstetten, Germany, became a partner.
The Local History Museum offers a glimpse into the past. It is in a house built around 1930. Johann Berger and his wife lived there. They were displaced in 1946. Later owners kept the house original.
The museum shows gentrified agricultural life. Wealthy farmers built brick farmsteads. Only the old agricultural building’s back remained. It showed the pisé-style wall in the chamber.
The Cabbage Festival began in 2001. It marked Vecsés becoming a city. Cabbage cooking competitions are a highlight. The festival went international. Guests came from Austria, Germany, and Poland. It begins with a harvest mass. A procession of cabbage producers follows.
Another tradition is the Strudel Dinner. It was popular until the 1950s. Young men visited houses with girls. One dressed as a bride. One dressed as a groom. They received strudel. Since 2003, the German self-administration commemorates it.
Vecsés also keeps the egg-on-spoon race. It takes place on Easter Monday. The brass band accompanies the race.
Vecsés, near the Vecsés–Ercsi pipeline, boasts a rich heritage. From Swabian settlers to cabbage festivals, it is a unique place. Traditions kept alive tell its story. This town shows resilience. It celebrates its past while moving forward.