Máriapócs

Máriapócs is a town in the Nyírbátor district of the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. Based on its population, it is the smallest town in the county.

 Setting 
Máriapócs is located in the southern part of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County in Hungary. It is approximately 280 kilometers from Budapest, the capital of Hungary, and about 30 kilometers from Nyíregyháza, the county seat.

 Culture 
Máriapócs is famous for its Greek Catholic basilica, which is a major pilgrimage site due to the miraculous weeping icon of the Virgin Mary housed there. This icon, known as the Weeping Madonna, has drawn pilgrims from all over the world since it first wept in 1696.

The town is in a flat area known for its agricultural activities, with fields of wheat, corn, and sunflowers common in the landscape. The climate here is continental, with hot summers and cold winters.

Besides its religious significance, Máriapócs has a rich cultural heritage with local festivals celebrating both religious and secular traditions. The town also features several historical buildings that reflect its past, including old churches and traditional Hungarian architecture.

Máriapócs is also well-connected by road, making it accessible for visitors who wish to explore more of the northeastern part of Hungary, including nearby thermal spas and historical sites.

 Politics 

 List of Mayors 
The current mayor of Máriapócs is Bertalan Papp (Fidesz-KDNP).
+MayorPartyTerm of officeLajosné PalóczyIndependent1990-2002György NagyIndependent2002-2006Lajos Elekné Palóczy Independent2006-2010Bertalan PappFidesz-KDNP2010-present

 Population 
In 2001, 96% of the town's population declared themselves to be Hungarian, and 4% to be Gypsy.A 2001-es népszámlálás nemzetiségi adatsora

During the 2011 census, 89.6% of the residents identified themselves as Hungarian, 9% as Gypsy, 0.2% as German, 0.3% as Romanian, and 2% as Ruthenian.Máriapócs Helységnévtár

In 2022, 91.1% of the population declared themselves Hungarian, 6.4% Gypsy, 3.7% Ruthenian, 0.7% Ukrainian, 0.3% Romanian, 0.2-0.2% Greek, Slovak and Germans, 0.1-0.1% for Croatians and Poles, 1.8% for other, non-domestic nationalities.Máriapócs Helységnévtár

 Sister cities 

 Turin, Italy

 Sights 
Máriapócs is world-renowned thanks to the fame of the Greek Catholic Shrine. Another notable attraction is the Basilian Collection, housed in the birthplace of Miklós Dudás, a Greek Catholic bishop. The town also features a Turul statue.

 References 

Category:Towns in Hungary
Category:Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County