From August 12 to 16, 2025, the downtown area of Székesfehérvár and its iconic Zichy Stage burst with color, music, and energy as the Royal Days International Folk Dance Festival (Királyi Napok Nemzetközi Néptáncfesztivál) takes over the city. Hosted by the Alba Regia Dance Ensemble (Alba Regia Táncegyüttes), the event attracts international groups from India, Canada, Colombia, and North Macedonia (Észak-Macedónia), offering a packed schedule of dance performances, parades, folk concerts, and family activities.
A Parade of Dance and Cultures
Festivities kick off on Tuesday at 6 p.m. with a parade weaving from the National Orb (Országalma) to City Hall Square (Városház tér), then along Main Street (Fő utca) to the Zichy Stage (Zichy Színpad). Hungarian and guest performers from India, Canada, Colombia, and North Macedonia dazzle audiences with street performances along the route. The evening continues with an opening gala on the Zichy Stage at 7 p.m. As night falls, folk parties fill the Malom Street Dance House (Malom utcai Táncház)—featuring shows by Canadian artists, a Latin party by Colombia’s TCD MUSICA, and a midnight jam session with Galiba.
Nonstop Dance, Family Fun, and Folk Nights
Each day brings new family activities, dance performances, and music. Wednesday’s “Royal Playground” starts at 4 p.m. in the National Flag Square (Országzászló tér) with guests from India and Canada, followed by open-air concerts at the King Matthias Monument (Mátyás király emlékmű). Both senior and youth groups from the Alba Regia Dance Ensemble take the Zichy Stage from 7 p.m. Evening folk parties combine Indian performers and DJ sets until midnight.
Thursday introduces Colombian and North Macedonian artists to the mix, with music, dance duels, and lively evening jams. Friday highlights local traditions with folk games, school performances, and a “Dance of Joy” show from the Dezső Fitos Company (Fitos Dezső Társulat). More dance performances and live jams stretch late into the night.
Grand Finale and What If It Rains?
Saturday morning is filled with international children’s games at the King Matthias Monument, followed by an evening parade and a spectacular festival-closing gala. Afterwards, the crowd heads to Malom Street for one last burst of folk jams and world music. In case of rain, children’s events move to the Zichy Park Music Pavilion (Zichy ligeti Zenepavilon), and dance house programs are held indoors; other outdoor events will be canceled if the weather turns.
Organizers reserve the right to change times or programs—so stay tuned and don’t miss the city’s most colorful week!
