The battle, fought on 29 August 1526 between the forces of King Louis II and the Ottoman army led by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, ended in a devastating Hungarian defeat that reshaped the country's future for centuries. 

Five hundred years on, commemorations are reflecting not only on the tragedy itself, but also on Hungary's resilience, cultural identity and enduring heritage.

Among the highlights of the anniversary programme is a major new theatrical production by the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble.

Titled Requiem for Mohács, the work will receive its world premiere at the Szeged Open-Air Festival on 4 July as part of the two-part performance The Dawn of Heroes.

Created by Kossuth Prize-winning choreographer Zoltán Zsuráfszky and co-creator Zsuzsa Zs. Vincze, this special production uses dance and music to bring one of Hungary's greatest historical tragedies to life. 

Rather than just recreating the battle, the performance begins with soldiers awaiting combat before taking audiences on a journey through different eras of Hungarian history, ultimately returning to the battlefield in a moving reflection on sacrifice, memory and national identity.

The first half of the evening, Dance Chronicle of the Deeds of György Dózsa, explores the turbulent decades leading up to Mohács, while the second act, Requiem for Mohács, focuses on the battle's lasting emotional and historical significance. 

Music for the new work has been composed by Benjámin Eredics of the band Söndörgő, blending historical influences with a contemporary theatrical style. 

The production will feature the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble alongside local children, young people and professional dancers from Szeged.

The dance production is just one part of a nationwide commemorative programme. 

Throughout the year, Mohács is hosting exhibitions, concerts, conferences, educational events and community celebrations, while major investments are transforming the city's historical sites.

These include a new interactive underground exhibition at the National Memorial Park, restoration of the Battlefield Memorial Chapel, improvements to the city centre and tourism infrastructure, and the creation of new memorials honouring those who fought in the battle.

Additional cultural projects include a new rock musical, choir festivals bringing together nations whose ancestors fought at Mohács, short films, study competitions, folk traditions and visual arts programmes.

Organisers say the commemorative year aims to present Mohács not only as a symbol of national tragedy, but also as a place of remembrance, reconciliation and shared European history.

The anniversary events will culminate around 29 August, exactly 500 years after the battle, with official ceremonies and public commemorations expected to attract visitors from across Hungary.

The world premiere of Requiem for Mohács (Rekviem Mohácsért) takes place as the second act of the spectacular dance drama Dawn of Heroes (Hősök hajnala).

Performance Date & Venue:

Date: July 4, 2026 (Saturday) at 9:00 PM (21:00).
Rain Date: July 5, 2026.
Venue: Szeged Open-Air Festival, Dóm Square stage (Dóm tér), Szeged. 

The festival utilizes dynamic pricing, meaning costs fluctuate based on real-time demand.

Standard ticket prices typically range around 14,900 HUF per ticket depending on the selected seating sector. 

You can purchase tickets directly on the official English platform: Szeged Open-Air Festival English Program Page.

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

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