Masks in front of the Festspiel houses - Salzburg Festival | © Luigi Caputo
Salzburg Festival
For over a century, the Salzburg Festival has brought world-class opera, theatre, and concerts to Salzburg each summer, earning its place among the world’s most prestigious cultural events. At the heart of the festival lies Jedermann, a legendary play staged annually in Cathedral Square, captivating audiences with its timeless allure.
Salzburg Festival: A City Takes the Stage
Renowned the world over, the Salzburg Festival stands as one of the premier celebrations of classical music and drama. Each summer, the city of Salzburg transforms into a grand stage, overflowing with cultural vibrance. For more than a century, artists from every corner of the globe have gathered here, joined by an audience as diverse and international as the performers themselves.
What Makes the Festival So Special?
“The whole city is a stage” – such was the visionary proclamation of the festival’s founders, Max Reinhardt, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and Richard Strauss. Since its inception in 1920, the festival has brought opera, theatre, and concerts of the highest calibre to Salzburg. Held annually in July and August, the performances take place on historic stages nestled within the heart of the Old Town, steeped in centuries of tradition.
Jedermann – The Heart of the Festival
A Salzburg summer without Jedermann? Unthinkable. Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s immortal morality play, which explores the death of a wealthy man, has graced Cathedral Square since the festival’s very beginning – performed under the open sky, framed by the baroque splendour of the city. For countless visitors, experiencing the play live is the fulfillment of a long-held dream.
Yet Jedermann is far more than just a play. Each year, it becomes the talk of the town: Who will assume the role of the alluring Paramour? What stunning gown will she wear? Who will tap the first keg at the grand opening night festivities? These are but a few of the questions that fuel the unique charm of the festival. Little wonder, then, that performances are invariably sold out, with over 2,500 spectators filling the square each evening.
Performance Venues during the Salzburg Festival
Beyond the iconic open-air stage of Jedermann at Cathedral Square, the festival’s venues are scattered throughout the city – and, since 1992, extend to the Perner Island in Hallein. Yet it is the celebrated stages of the Felsenreitschule and the Grosses Festspielhaus, located on Hofstallgasse, that remain the most revered. Here, international high society parades down the red carpet, elevating the festival to an experience of unparalleled grandeur.
The Whole City Becomes a Stage
Attending the Salzburg Festival doesn’t always require a ticket – the city itself becomes a stage, infused with the festival's spirit. A leisurely stroll through the city immerses you in its unique atmosphere. Numerous free events invite visitors to join in: on Kapitelplatz, the Siemens Fest>Spiel>Nächte showcase select productions – some even streamed live – on a grand open-air screen. The festivities commence with the grand Festival Opening Celebration, a lavish occasion offering a diverse program that spans the heights of high culture and the warmth of folk traditions.
Discover More About the Salzburg Festival
Delve into the festival’s rich history, take a guided tour, or explore its archives—fascinating insights and unforgettable moments await. Learn more about the personalities who shaped the festival, its historical evolution, and experience the unparalleled ambiance of the festival halls up close.
