Since its inception in 2000 as a student-led protest against the authoritarian regime of Slobodan Milošević, the EXIT Festival has evolved over the past quarter-century into a global cultural powerhouse. Growing from its rebellious roots in Serbia, it has become one of the world’s largest and most respected music festivals, a shining symbol of Serbia and the Balkans’ cultural identity. Beyond entertainment, EXIT has been a significant economic engine, generating over €300 million in tourism revenue for its local community and earning widespread international acclaim. Its place in Serbia’s cultural and social landscape is truly invaluable.
However, the festival’s 25th edition in 2025 faced unprecedented political challenges. The Serbian government, seemingly intent on quashing its social and political influence, put immense pressure on the festival, threatening its very existence. This crackdown was a direct response to EXIT’s vocal support for the student protests that have gripped Serbia for nine months following the tragic collapse of a newly renovated canopy at the Novi Sad Railway Station. This disaster claimed the lives of 16 people and ignited massive demonstrations across the nation, with citizens holding government corruption responsible. For the first time since its founding, EXIT’s organizers candidly acknowledged that this could be their final festival in Serbia under the current political climate.
Dušan Kovačević, founder of the EXIT Festival Group, emphasized the broader significance of this year’s event: it was not merely about defending the festival’s freedom, but standing up for the global music and cultural scene’s right to free expression. The four days of the festival, held at the historic Petrovaradin Fortress, underscored music’s profound ability to unite and inspire resistance. Amid state pressure, fans, students, and artists both local and international demonstrated unwavering solidarity, proving that love and unity can triumph over fear and repression.
The opening night etched a powerful moment in the annals of music festivals worldwide. As a tribute to the 16 victims of the Novi Sad tragedy, all performances across EXIT’s stages ceased, and over 40,000 attendees observed 16 minutes of solemn silence. The silence resonated louder than any music that night, culminating with a heartfelt message from protesting students who took the Main Stage: “They can’t take our freedom! Pour your love, truth, and light into the world – because the world will hear you!”
That evening also marked a poignant homage to the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, featuring a return performance from Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats. Geldof, a legendary musician, activist, and humanitarian, expressed pride in playing EXIT during its 25th anniversary, praising it as one of the last truly independent festivals still delivering a message of freedom. His words carried powerful resonance: “We stand with the future, we stand with Serbia!” This solidarity from a global icon underscored the festival’s critical social and cultural role.
Students at EXIT leveraged their own dedicated stage to send a global message, describing the festival as their “megaphone” in the ongoing fight for freedom and justice. Their rallying cry, “Pumpaj! (Pump it!),” a slogan tied closely to their protests, reverberated throughout the event, symbolizing resilience and defiance.
Musically, the festival was unforgettable. The Prodigy, electrifying the crowd with their fierce electro-punk energy, proclaimed their affection for EXIT on Instagram, celebrating their sixth appearance and the passionate Serbian audience they call “the ruckus.” Electronic music legends lit up the iconic Dance Arena, including Eric Prydz, who dazzled the crowd, and Hot Since 82, who praised the festival’s vibrant energy as “another unforgettable adventure.” Solomun’s Diynamic Stage Takeover thrilled fans beyond expectations, while Tiësto made his EXIT debut, congratulating the festival on its monumental 25-year journey. Other electronic heavyweights like Nina Kraviz, Amelie Lens & Boris Brejcha contributed unforgettable performances, with the grand finale featuring a highly anticipated B2B set from Indira Paganotto & Sara Landry.
Rock’n’roll’s raw power was equally on display as the legendary Sex Pistols, fronted by the fierce Frank Carter, unleashed one of the largest mosh pits in Main Stage history. Their performance was a fiery eruption of rebellion and energy that will linger in the Fortress’s memory for years to come.
The 25th EXIT Festival unequivocally demonstrated that music can be a catalyst for social change. In a time of political repression and social upheaval, the festival stood firm as a bastion of freedom, a beacon for the power of solidarity, and a testament to the enduring belief that music festivals can drive positive transformation in society. EXIT’s quarter-century legacy is a story of courage, community and the unbreakable spirit of freedom through music – we sincerely hope that this is not a good-bye.
