Vienna is the world capital of music, and in 2026 we commemorate one of the biggest musical geniuses of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. We celebrate his 270th birthday – and dance in Vienna and around the world.
Like almost nothing else, Mozart’s musical works embody features Vienna is admired for worldwide: a great joie de vivre, a distinctive attitude towards life, and an excellent quality of life.
These qualities are also at the heart of the Viennese ball tradition. For centuries, our ball events have been synonymous with magnificent celebrations and the typical Viennese zest for life that captivates audiences everywhere.
Immerse yourself in a waltz, enjoy a lively polka, listen to the musical variety of our orchestras, and admire the elegance of our ballrooms as they all reflect the joy for life that is integral to Vienna’s character and that we are happy to share with the world through our Viennese ball events.
Vienna is not only the world capital of music but also a city of togetherness and participation. Every ball event, whether it takes place in Vienna or in any other city in the world, is a commitment to this culture of openness, joyfulness, and harmony.
On this note, I wish all ball guests unforgettable moments, cheerful conversations, and the feeling of having experienced a piece of Vienna together – true to the motto “bring your joie de vivre and make friends for life”.
Michael Ludwig
Mayor and Governor of Vienna