Grave Matters: Hungary Hosts International Grave Digging Championship

In Szekszárd, Hungary, grave diggers swapped quiet cemeteries for cheering crowds at the International Grave Digging Championship earlier this month.

The competition, held on September 6, brought together more than 20 teams from around the world, each tasked with digging a regulation grave — two meters long, 80cm wide, and 1.6m deep — within two hours. Once finished, teams had to shovel the soil back in, leaving behind a perfectly neat burial mound.

Organised by Hungary’s Association of Cemetery Operators and Maintainers (MTFE), the event aims to raise awareness and prestige for a profession that usually works out of the spotlight.

This year’s winners, Laszlo Kiss and Robert Nagy of Hungary, credited their victory to the routine they’ve honed in their daily work. Meanwhile, the Russian team finished last, blaming their struggles on the hot weather.

From Hungary to Home

It might sound unusual, but contests like this highlight the skill, precision, and pride that go into essential jobs. Here in Wānaka and the Upper Clutha, we know the value of hard, hands-on work — whether it’s farming, construction, or community volunteering. While we’re unlikely to see a grave digging championship at the A&P Show anytime soon, it does make you wonder how our local diggers would measure up on the world stage.