Protests against the opera ball: This is how Vienna reacts to the rich!

Protests against the opera ball: This is how Vienna reacts to the rich!

On Thursday, February 26, 2025, the Vienna State Opera will be the setting for the glamorous opera ball, which is celebrated for the 67th time this year. An illustrious audience, including Federal President and Chancellor, gathers in the festive atmosphere, while three protests are caused a stir outside. The demonstrators want to draw attention to social inequality, and that under the motto "The rich dance - we protest against the unjust distribution" on Albertinaplatz, as the Krone reported.

The protests run over several routes in the city center, starting at Ballhausplatz and ending at Helmut-Zil-Platz, where the demands for a fairer distribution of wealth are loud. Another route runs directly near the state opera, which makes the Situation more explosive. Due to current terrorist threats to Viennese balls, the police have ordered extensive security measures. This includes both uniformed and hidden emergency services, which should also ensure the safety of the guests, as also on wiener-staatsoper.at

traffic impairments and parking spaces

The security measures lead to considerable traffic impairments in downtown Vienna. From 6 p.m., roadblocks and diversions, especially in Opererngasse and on Kärntner Straße, will make arrival to the ball. Public transport on the ring will also be redirected from 7 p.m., which requires patience from the passengers. For visitors who arrive by car, the "Opera Garage" is available at Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz, where direct access to the State Opera foyer is guaranteed. In order to make the evening a relaxed experience, an evening flat rate of € 10 is offered for the underground car park, which can only be booked via the BMOVE app.