The prominent Exit festival, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year in Serbia, is ending its run in the country, citing “undemocratic pressures.” Scheduled for July 10-13, festival organizers revealed they've lost government funding and seen sponsors retract their support due to their alignment with student-led anti-corruption protests.
The festival's backing of these demonstrations became a point of contention, prompting provincial officials to deny allegations of political interference, attributing the funding cut to financial constraints. Exit has a rich history tied to pro-democracy movements, growing from its origins in the activism against Milosevic in the early 2000s.
The festival has annually attracted over 200,000 attendees, with each event focusing on themes such as human rights and equality. Students began campaigning for justice following a tragedy at Novi Sad railway station last November, and Exit stepped in to assist, providing essential supplies and joining protests.
Founder Dusan Kovacevic expressed sadness over the situation but maintained that “freedom has no price.” He urged supporters to remember the festival for its spirit of love and unity rather than its closure, while its future location remains uncertain.
As one of Europe’s largest festivals, Exit has showcased major acts like The Prodigy and The Cure, significantly impacting Serbia's cultural landscape by elevating its international reputation and inspiring a wave of new musical endeavors.
The festival's backing of these demonstrations became a point of contention, prompting provincial officials to deny allegations of political interference, attributing the funding cut to financial constraints. Exit has a rich history tied to pro-democracy movements, growing from its origins in the activism against Milosevic in the early 2000s.
The festival has annually attracted over 200,000 attendees, with each event focusing on themes such as human rights and equality. Students began campaigning for justice following a tragedy at Novi Sad railway station last November, and Exit stepped in to assist, providing essential supplies and joining protests.
Founder Dusan Kovacevic expressed sadness over the situation but maintained that “freedom has no price.” He urged supporters to remember the festival for its spirit of love and unity rather than its closure, while its future location remains uncertain.
As one of Europe’s largest festivals, Exit has showcased major acts like The Prodigy and The Cure, significantly impacting Serbia's cultural landscape by elevating its international reputation and inspiring a wave of new musical endeavors.
