Due to the federal government’s official directives regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, the Festival of Joy, held to commemorate the liberation from the Nazi reign of terror and honour the memory of its victims, will take place virtually on 8th May 2020.

On the 8th of May 1945 the German armed forces surrendered, thus ending the Second World War in Europe. This year, the Festival of Joy is dedicated to the Day of Liberation and the theme of 'Humanity without Borders'.

This year is the eighth time that the Mauthausen Committee Austria (MKÖ) will present the Festival of Joy and marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation from Nazi terror. The highlight will be the speech given by contemporary witness, Erika Kosnar. The Wiener Symphoniker will also contribute to the event. The festival includes videos on the theme of 'Humanity without Borders' from representatives of the liberating nations and many others. The virtual festival will open with a welcome address from MKÖ Chairman, Willi Mernyi and words from Bundespräsident Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen.

This year's Festival of Joy is the first not to be held at Heldenplatz. Instead it can be seen via livestream at www.festderfreude.at and via live broadcast on ORF III.

The Festival of Joy is presented in close collaboration with the Wiener Symphoniker and with the support of the Jewish Community of Vienna, the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service and the Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance.

You are warmly invited to the virtual Festival of Joy: Friday, 8th May  2020, start time: 6:05pm