From September 12 to 21, 2025, Miskolc (Miskolc) will be buzzing with more than just fall activity—it’s the 3rd Miskolc Ars Sacra Festival (III. Miskolci Ars Sacra Fesztivál), returning for nine days of uplifting music, culture, and faith-centered events across the city. This year’s motto, “Pilgrims of Hope,” resonates especially during the Holy Year, aiming to amplify Christian values, promote unity, celebrate Miskolc’s cultural gems, and, perhaps most importantly, share peace.
A Grand Opening: Songs, Tapestries, and Honest Faith
The festival kicks off on Friday, September 12, at the City Hall’s ceremonial hall with a music-infused literary performance commemorating the 200th anniversary of author Mór Jókai (Jókai Mór). Students from the Health Care Secondary School of the University of Miskolc (Miskolci Egyetem Egészségügyi Középiskola) take the stage, supported by pensioners’ choirs and community members, with speeches from Deputy Mayor András Hollósy.
Meanwhile, in Csengey Garden (Csengey-kert), the Hanna Project and their band will inspire with an open-air worship concert. Their mission is simple and heartfelt: to let the power of faith-filled music open hearts to love. Students from local denominational schools will join in, with greetings led by Dr. Szabolcs Menyhárt.
Beauty on Display: Sacred Textiles and Devotional Collections
Don’t miss the tapestry exhibition, curiously titled, “Let Only Your Holy Will Work Within Us!” in the City Hall’s lobby. The Gobelin Embroiderers of Kazincbarcika (Kazincbarcikai Gobelin Hímzők), who once met and received the blessing of the late Pope Francis, will showcase their vibrantly colored, faith-inspired works.
If you prefer history with your inspiration, visit the Ferenc Rákóczi II Library (II. Rákóczi Ferenc Könyvtár) for a unique Bible and rosary collection—curated by Dr. László Ötvös, a Reformed pastor and church historian, along with a special rosary display by Dr. Katalin Kuncsik. Even Reformed Bishop Barna Sándor will be present for the opening!
Miskolc’s Streets Come Alive: Music, Flash Mobs & Artistic Tributes
At 1:00 pm on Friday, expect a flash mob of schoolchildren singing youth hymns—including a special “Year of Hope” song—at New Győr Main Square (Újgyőri Főtér). If you enjoy poetry and visual art, head to the Convent Chapel (Zárdakápolna) for a moving multimedia tribute to the late graphic artist András Simon, combining his sketches, writings, and live music.
The day continues with a historical presentation on the dramatic role of the Minorite (Minorita) brothers in school drama, followed by an Ars Sacra photo exhibition at the local headquarters of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (Magyar Tudományos Akadémia). Reporter Klára Dobos showcases photographs documenting recent festival history, capturing moments both joyful and profound.
Opening Gala: Classical Elegance, Spiritual Leaders, and Folk Roots
Friday night culminates at Bartók Hall (Bartók terem) with the official festival opening. After formal greetings by local dignitaries—including the rector, archbishop, and mayors—the spotlight shines on a classical concert titled Tetratonia, blending folk and classical motifs. Composer Gyula Ács, folk artist Tilla Török, and the elite Ede Reményi Chamber Orchestra (Reményi Ede Kamarazenekar) promise a memorable evening.
Tokaj’s Treasures: Wine, History, and Sacred Heritage
On Saturday, board a bus at 8 am behind the Centrum parking lot for an all-day exploration of Tokaj’s ancient and sacred treasures. Expect historical presentations from city curator Szabolcs Demján and archaeologist Miklós Makoldi about the city and castle’s storied past, youth music programs, a book launch, and a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Wine Museum (Bormúzeum). The highlight will be tasting and purchasing the famous Tokaji wine at Hangavári Winery (Hangavári pince)—some bottles even sent to the Pope! Cost is about $10, registration required.
Music and Memories: Sacred Sounds and Literary Homage
Back in Miskolc on Saturday, the historic József Lévay Reformed High School’s (Lévay József Református Gimnázium) mixed choir fills the Avasi Monumental Reformed Church (Avasi Nagytemplom) with sacred song. Later, at the Lutheran Hall (Evangélikus Gyülekezeti Terem), a literary event commemorates beloved writer István Fekete (Fekete István), whose love for nature and rural Hungary shaped his classic works.
Concert enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Zsolt Regős, maestro and award-winning conductor, at the main Lutheran Church (Evangélikus Templom). He’s joined by singer Orsolya Grenella, bassoonist Csaba Holló Vaskó, and cellist Alexandra Soós-Molnár for a sophisticated, hope-filled performance, with warm greetings from local pastors.
To Be Continued: More Hope, Art, and Peace
Sunday morning sees the opening of “Peace with the Holy Spirit,” an exhibition at the Diósgyőr Roman Catholic Parish House (Diósgyőri Római Katolikus Plébániaház), running through September 21. And this is just a taste—the nine-day lineup features around 50 events, with nearly 500 participants. From visual arts to gastronomy, choral music to academic reflections, every day offers a new opportunity to reflect, remember, and reach for hope.
Fans of faith, culture, and heartfelt human creativity: mark Miskolc (Miskolc) on your fall calendar. Ars Sacra promises a celebration with soul.
