NYERGESÚJFALU, Hungary — Thirty-eight competitors participated in a grave-digging competition held Saturday at a public cemetery in Nyergesújfalu, a town in northern Hungary. Organized by the Hungarian Association of Cemetery Maintainers and Operators, the event aimed to highlight the skills involved in grave-digging while addressing societal taboos surrounding death.

The contest featured 19 teams of two, who faced the additional challenge of working through the dry, hardened soil conditions caused by the summer heat. Participants used picks and shovels to dig graves in a race against time, with an emphasis on speed rather than aesthetic presentation.

The winning team, composed of Róbert Nagy and László Kiss, completed the task in one hour and 21 minutes. Their performance earned them a cash prize of 200,000 Hungarian forints, roughly equivalent to $640. According to Nagy, the competition prioritized quickness over decorative elements.

The event sought to bring attention to the professional craftsmanship required in grave-digging, traditionally a sensitive subject, as well as to foster respect for the trade. Organizers hope that by showcasing the physical demands and technical skill involved, the competition can contribute to reducing public discomfort associated with death and burial practices.