Experience a Classic Grimm Fairy Tale with Spectacular Circus Arts in Budapest
The Capital Circus of Budapest presents Mother Holle, bringing one of the most beloved Grimm fairy tales to life through breathtaking circus artistry. Running from October 18 through December 31, this enchanting production combines storytelling, international circus performers, and heartfelt messages about family, acceptance, and growing up.
Event Details
- Performance Dates: October 18 – December 31, 2025
- Location: Capital Circus of Budapest (Fővárosi Nagycirkusz), City Park, Budapest
- Duration: 90 minutes without intermission
- Director: Péter Fekete
- Choreographer: Kitty Fejes (Ballet Master)
- Music Director and Composer: László Szakál
- Language: Hungarian (story told through visual circus performance, accessible to all audiences)
- Performers: International cast featuring Brazilian and Russian lead artists, three Hungarian clowns, plus circus artists from China, Uzbekistan, Germany, Hungary, Russia, and Ukraine
- Special Features: Horses, farm animals, and exotic creatures
- Starring: Marika Oszvald and Kati Zsurzs (alternating) as Mother Holle
A Modern Take on a Timeless Tale
Mother Holle reimagines the classic Grimm story about a hardworking girl and her lazy sister through a contemporary lens. This adaptation follows two sisters on their otherworldly journey, where they face spectacular circus trials that teach them the true meaning of sisterhood and acceptance. Instead of simply retelling the traditional moral about diligence versus laziness, this version explores what it means to be siblings who learn to embrace each other with all their differences.
The story guides both children and adults through themes of truth, independent decision-making, and the challenging path of growing up. These universal messages resonate across cultures and ages, making the performance meaningful whether you understand Hungarian or not. The visual storytelling through circus acts communicates emotions and narrative beats that transcend language barriers.
Legendary Performers and International Stars
The production features an extraordinary cast that brings both star power and exceptional skill to the circus ring. Legendary Hungarian actresses Marika Oszvald and Kati Zsurzs alternate in the title role of Mother Holle, delivering the heart-touching melodies in ways audiences have never heard before. Their powerful vocal performances create memorable emotional moments that anchor the spectacular physical performances happening around them.
Best deals of Budapest
The lead roles feature a Brazilian and a Russian aerial artist who perform the sisters’ journey through breathtaking acrobatic choreography that amazes even the most daring spectators. Three Hungarian clowns provide comic relief and physical humor throughout the performance, keeping the atmosphere light and entertaining for younger audience members.
Supporting performers from six continents contribute diverse circus traditions to the production. Chinese, Uzbek, German, Hungarian, Russian, and Ukrainian circus artists showcase specialties ranging from aerial acts to ground acrobatics to ensemble choreography. The production also incorporates horses, farm animals, and exotic creatures, adding traditional circus elements that delight audiences of all ages.
Music That Speaks to Every Heart
Composer and music director László Szakál created an original score that draws inspiration from world music, folk traditions, musical theater, and Walt Disney-style melodies. This eclectic musical approach gives the production a timeless quality that feels both familiar and fresh. The melodies reference musical languages audiences recognize while creating something entirely new for this specific production.
According to Magyar Hírlap, Szakál emphasized that many people contribute to the creative process, sometimes with seemingly small touches that prove crucial to moving the artistic work forward. This collaborative spirit shows in the polished final product, where music, choreography, costumes, and performance blend seamlessly.
Choreography and Visual Design
Ballet master and choreographer Kitty Fejes designed movement sequences that continuously evolve as costume pieces arrive, experimenting and refining performers’ movements to create the most beautiful overall effect for audiences. This attention to detail ensures that every visual element receives careful consideration, from individual gestures to large ensemble formations.
The costumes, sets, and circus apparatus combine to create a magical world where fairy tale elements meet circus spectacle. The production values match world-class circus standards while maintaining focus on the emotional story at the heart of the performance.
A Message of Acceptance and Love
Beyond entertainment, Mother Holle carries a meaningful message perfect for the holiday season. The circus fairy tale encourages audiences to be open to others’ qualities and truths, to look for and recognize goodness in people, and to stand up for personal integrity. The production teaches that accepting attention and love creates a better world for everyone.
This message of understanding and embracing differences resonates particularly during the Christmas season when families gather and community connections strengthen. The performance reminds us that there’s no more beautiful thought for preparing hearts and souls for the wonder and joy of the holidays than cultivating openness and love toward one another.
Perfect for International Visitors
While performed in Hungarian, Mother Holle’s visual storytelling makes it accessible and enjoyable for international tourists visiting Budapest. Circus arts communicate through physical expression, facial emotions, music, and spectacle that transcend language barriers. Children and adults from any country can follow the story and enjoy the breathtaking performances without understanding the dialogue.
The Capital Circus of Budapest sits in City Park, one of Budapest’s most tourist-friendly areas. The location puts you within walking distance of Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Budapest Zoo, making it easy to combine your circus visit with other sightseeing activities. The area is easily accessible by metro, with Széchenyi fürdő station on Metro Line 1 serving the park.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets are available for performances throughout the October-December run, with shows scheduled at various times to accommodate different schedules. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for weekend performances and during school vacation periods when Hungarian families flock to the circus. The venue offers comfortable seating with good sightlines from all sections, ensuring every guest enjoys clear views of the performances.
The 90-minute runtime without intermission makes the show ideal for families with children, keeping young audiences engaged without the restlessness that can occur during breaks. The continuous flow allows the story to build naturally and maintains the magical atmosphere from start to finish.
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly entertainment, world-class circus artistry, or a meaningful cultural experience during your Budapest visit, Mother Holle at the Capital Circus delivers all three. This production proves that classic fairy tales can speak to modern audiences when told through innovative artistic mediums, creating memories that last long after the final bow.