The Ars HUNGARICA Festival arrives in Sibiu (Nagyszeben) from November 7 to 16, 2025, showcasing the vibrancy of Hungarian culture right on the edge of the Carpathian Basin. This colorful event not only highlights centuries of local Hungarian presence but also brings together people and institutions sharing the same language and interests. Across diverse venues, it aims to be a cultural bridge, revealing Hungarian gems to locals and visitors alike.
Opening Spectacle: Art, Music, and Glam
The festivities begin Friday at noon with a visual feast: works by Hungarian graphic artists from the Brukenthal National Museum’s contemporary art collection. By evening, it’s time for a gala at Thalia Hall, with official speeches and a spectacular performance of The Secrets of the Soul (A lélek rejtelmei), starring Katalin Benedekffy and Levente Molnár, accompanied by pianist Szabolcs Sándor, delivering the best of opera and operetta. The night is rounded off with a sparkling reception.
Exhibitions, Concerts, and Dancing Through the Ages
On Saturday, the 25th International Hungarian Photo Salon (XXV. Nemzetközi Magyar Fotószalon) is launched at City Hall, featuring this year’s standout images from Hungarian photographers worldwide. Later, the “20 Years Bridge” Association party celebrates with exhibitions, concerts by Opra Monica & Acoustic Band, and a toast. For night owls, DJ Szabi spins Hungarian and international hits from the ’70s through the 2000s.
On Sunday, art lovers can enjoy “Love Through the Years,” a thematic photo exhibition from Sfântu Gheorghe (Sepsiszentgyörgy), then join a guided walk with Enikő Balázs through the “jewel city” of Sibiu. That evening, pianist Krisztina Fejes performs in the Mirrored Hall.
Literature, Kids, and Some Laughs
The week continues with book launches—such as Lehel István Kovács’s tour guide on the Csukás Mountains (Csukás-hegység), and two sessions with children’s author and performer Zenóbia Zorkóczy. On Wednesday, János Demeter’s Baroque-inspired works go on display in the Council Tower, plus a live presentation of the popular cultural magazine, Hungarian Culture (Magyar Kultúra).
Thursday spotlights Hungarian Language Day, featuring puppet theater (Halvirág Bábszínház), poetry readings by contemporary writers Vince Fekete and Árpád Dimény-Haszmann, and a deep dive into Hungarian-Romanian literary translations with leading authors and translators.
Folklore, Stand-up, and Grand Finalé
Friday’s highlights include the opening of the Civil Academy and a hilarious set from the Szomszédnéni Produkciós Iroda. On Saturday, it’s the Day of the Hungarian Minority, with folk music, Zoltán Erdő on tárogató, Jenő Lisztes on cimbalom, traditional dance performances, and a lively táncház (folk dance party) with the Tokos Band and dance teachers János and Erika Kovács.
On Sunday, pianist Henrik Szőcs marks the festival’s final day, followed by a powerful staging of Slawomir Mrożek’s Emigrants (EMIGRÁNSOK) at the Radu Stanca National Theatre.
Events Beyond Sibiu
Sibiu isn’t the only hotspot: in Ocna Sibiului (Vizakna) on November 9, a unique exhibition, ReligionMap (VallásTérKép), opens at the Reformed Congregation Hall. One week later, András Romhányi explores the theme “With Hungarian Culture into Europe.”
All events are subject to change—so keep your plans flexible and get ready for ten days of Hungarian creativity and festivity in Sibiu!
