Magyarpolány Passion Season 2025

The Passion of Magyarpolány – A Living Community Tradition

In the heart of Hungary, at the foot of the Bakony Hills, lies the village of Magyarpolány – a place where tradition and faith intertwine with community spirit in a truly unique way. For 32 years, the people of this small village, along with families from the surrounding area, have brought to life the story of Christ through their open-air Passion Play, performed on the slopes of the local Calvary Hill.

What makes the Magyarpolány Passion remarkable is not only its longevity, but its entirely community-based nature. With the exception of the role of Jesus – performed by Máté Incze, a professional actor – every role is played by volunteers who are residents of Magyarpolány or nearby villages. Families perform together, generations share the stage, and the village becomes a stage in itself.

Since 2022, the production has taken on a renewed form under the title “The Way of Light”. This reinterpretation focuses not solely on the suffering of Christ, but on His teachings, His wisdom, and His resurrection – offering audiences a message of hope, love, and renewal.

The music, composed especially for the play by renowned Hungarian composer Gyula Szarka, brings a rich emotional depth to the scenes, while the visual design and lighting create an atmosphere that is both reverent and breathtaking – especially under the twilight of Pentecost evenings.

The Passion is not imposed from above; it is born from the community itself. People participate not out of obligation, but out of joy. And perhaps this is what touches our audiences most: the authenticity. It is not only a Passion about Christ – it is about us. About the strength of coming together. About faith that is lived, not just spoken.

In 2025, six performances were held in June. The Magyarpolány Passion welcomed all visitors with open hearts – whether from nearby parishes or from across Europe.

We believe that the true Passion is not only told, but shared.