The acclaimed Exit Festival has announced it will be holding its final edition in Serbia this summer, citing repressive government pressures following its endorsement of the ongoing student-led anti-corruption protests. Organizers revealed that financial support from the government has been cut, and numerous sponsors have withdrawn under state influence.
Held annually at the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, the festival has drawn significant crowds over the years, welcoming up to 200,000 attendees in previous editions. Originating from the pro-democracy movements that contributed to the fall of Slobodan Milosevic, Exit has maintained a tradition of activism, each year's festival themed around vital social issues, including human rights and equality.
The festival became vocal in its support for students protesting after a tragic incident at the Novi Sad railway station took the lives of 16 people. The Exit Festival joined these protests by providing students with resources, such as food and accommodations, and amplifying their messages through social media.
Despite the financial fallout, founder Dusan Kovacevic emphasized that "freedom has no price" and called for memories of Exit to focus on unity and love rather than its closure. As the festival gears up for its last year in Serbia, the future remains uncertain regarding relocation to another country.
The Exit Festival has hosted iconic acts such as The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Cure and has won awards for its impact on Serbia's cultural scene, helping to attract international visitors and inspire the growth of local music festivals and events.
Held annually at the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, the festival has drawn significant crowds over the years, welcoming up to 200,000 attendees in previous editions. Originating from the pro-democracy movements that contributed to the fall of Slobodan Milosevic, Exit has maintained a tradition of activism, each year's festival themed around vital social issues, including human rights and equality.
The festival became vocal in its support for students protesting after a tragic incident at the Novi Sad railway station took the lives of 16 people. The Exit Festival joined these protests by providing students with resources, such as food and accommodations, and amplifying their messages through social media.
Despite the financial fallout, founder Dusan Kovacevic emphasized that "freedom has no price" and called for memories of Exit to focus on unity and love rather than its closure. As the festival gears up for its last year in Serbia, the future remains uncertain regarding relocation to another country.
The Exit Festival has hosted iconic acts such as The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Cure and has won awards for its impact on Serbia's cultural scene, helping to attract international visitors and inspire the growth of local music festivals and events.
