Pécs is bathed in light again: Zsolnay Light Festival 4-7 July!

This year, for the 8th time, the Zsolnay Light Festival will envelop the city centre of Pécs in a flood of light, bringing a new colour to the city every year and enchanting us into a special world. The festival will take place between 4 and 7 July, bringing a unique experience of light and entertainment to every corner of the city.

"Pécs is a cultural decentrum", explained Attila Péterffy, Mayor of Pécs at the festival's press conference. The mayor stressed that the cultural life of Pécs is vibrant thanks to cultural festivals, which create a lively and inspiring environment. He added: "Our aim, in cultural, artistic and tourist terms, is to attract as many visitors as possible to Pécs as part of the 'Pécs is Open' campaign. This year we expect more than 100,000 visitors." 

This year's Zsolnay Light Festival has brought exciting changes, as this year's selection of artists is based on an invitation-only competition. The main attraction of the festival, the Zsolnay Light Art Video Mapping Competition, will feature five three-dimensional animations woven from light, accompanied by sound, composed specifically for the facade of the Cathedral.

"There will be no jury, this year only the audience will be able to give a real opinion on the works,"

said Tamás Zádor, professional partner of the Zsolnay Light Art Video Mapping Competition and founding member of the Kiégő Izzók visual group. 

This year's theme is the Rubik's Cube, as 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the world-famous invention. This iconic puzzle game has created communities around the world, and the Festival of Lights will pay tribute to the genius of the cube and its creator, Ernő Rubik. 

Every year, the festival offers new surprises for all those who are interested. This year will be no different. The Way of Light remains one of the most exciting parts of the festival. The 19-stop light trail will showcase iconic buildings and sites in a stunning new light. 

Visitors will be dazzled by the light-painted gate of the Rector's Office of the University of Pécs, located at 48 Square. A selfie point will also be set up

so that festival visitors can capture this magical moment. A special atmosphere will be created by the light painting of the park, where visitors can relax on bean bags and blankets, while music will add to the chill atmosphere. 

COSMOS 1999 by Studio Joanie Lemercier

The light universe will be extended even further this year, to the Zsolnay Quarter, where a spectacular light installation will welcome visitors, while there will also be the opportunity to take a night walk and visit the Zsolnay Quarter exhibitions. "Last year, the Kodály Centre joined the route, and this year we are going further, as

the Balokány grove will also join the tour, as it will add a magical fairytale forest production to the event,

providing visitors with another exciting and magical experience," said Márk Hummel, Managing Director of Zsolnay Örökségkezelő NKft. 

Interactive installations give visitors the opportunity to take control of the transformation of an exhibition space, while other works use augmented reality to show, for example, the role of fire in our civilisation. The event will also provide an insight into the world of artificial intelligence, while audiovisual projections will critique the development of technology and the social optimism associated with it.

Shohei Fujimoto: Intangible Form

The festival not only enriches the city centre of Pécs with light works, but also with colourful street theatre and new circus performances during the day. In the public squares of the city centre, you can strengthen your diaphragm or admire the skills of jugglers and artists from Argentina, Australia, Catalonia, Israel, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

The festival's programmes and attractions presented in the public spaces of the Way of Light are free of charge, while those in the indoor spaces are accessible with the purchase of a wristband, these are the Way of Light Extra venues. Early bird ticket sales start on 9 May at https://www.zsolnayfenyfesztival.hu/jegyek 

More information on the website of the Zsolnay Light Festival.

Written by Mercédesz Kovács-Csincsák