The Budapest-based world music band made a lot of noise the couple of times they rolled through China, blind-siding audiences with their carnivalesque gypsy punk sound. A untamed fusion of ska, punk, and Balkan folk energy — often referred to as “speed-folk freak-punk.” They’re riotous and boisterous in the best possible way - with a sound that draws deeply from Eastern European and Gypsy melodies, colored by folk strings, distortion guitar, and fast-paced rhythms that keep audiences dancing nonstop. A party through and through - so if you’re looking to sweat off a few kilos before the weekend hits, look no further. 8

Presented by SWA, Bohemian Betyars are hitting China again in 2025 for their fourth tour. Formed in Budapest in 2009, this folk-punk band is known for high-voltage live shows that combine Hungarian, Balkan, and Gypsy influences with SKA punk foundations. Their performances fuse raw energy, intricate trumpet and violin melodies, and rich vocal harmonies, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that captivates audiences everywhere.

The band features vocalist/violinist Máté Palágyi (Rooster), vocalist/acoustic guitarist Levente Szűcs, electric guitarist Máté Mihályfi, trumpeter Domonkos Kondo, bassist Gábor Fehér, and drummer Dániel Dankó. Their music is an electrifying mix of Gypsy melancholy, Balkan folk rhythms, and punk beats, designed to make every show an unforgettable experience.

Bohemian Betyars have performed at major European festivals including Sziget, Boomtown, and WOMEX, and toured across Japan, Spain, and beyond. They first played in China at the 2017 Concrete & Grass Music Festival and have returned regularly ever since, earning a dedicated fan base in the country. Their explosive live energy has grown over the years, moving from small livehouses to larger stages, and their shows are now celebrated events for Chinese audiences.

On this fourth China tour, the Betyars promise:

• Lightning-fast violin melodies
• Fierce punk beats that command the crowd
• Wild Hungarian music guaranteed to make you forget your worries

Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time listener, this is a night to dance, punk, and celebrate Gypsy-inspired folk-punk at its finest.