Since it’s beginning 16 years ago, the EXIT festival has become one of the most famous festivals in Europe, attracting people and artists from all corners of the world. Throughout the years, the EXIT Festival has on several occasions made the list over the best festivals in the world, as well as winning several international awards. It was, as recently as 2014, named the best European festival by the EU Festival Awards.
I first heard about the festival from a couple of mine Serbian friends, a few years back. Some of them went to the very first EXIT festival, which was held in the year 2000, others came later on, all very much impressed and in awe, keen to spread the rumour about it to others. That’s where I come into the picture. I live in Norway and study there, but I’ve travelled to the Balkans a couple of times before. There is a huge festival spirit in Norway, and it’s always fun to see and explore festivals in other parts of the world.
They started by explaining how it’s one f the biggest festivals in Europe, and one of the main happenings of the summer in Serbia (well, actually, they started by asking how I on earth haven’t heard of the festival, to which I didn’t really have a good answer to). They proceeded by telling me how the whole area is completely transformed, consisting of several stages, food and drink courts. They play all kinds of music, from rock to electro and rb, hosting many international artists, with visitors from all over the world.
I got a ticket the next year and went with a bunch of friends. I was positively surprised. The festival has a nice and light spirit, with interesting people and music, where everyone seems to be having a good time. I’ve since went there on several occasions.
One of mine favourite moments from the EXIT festival is watching the sunrise from the Petrovaradin Fortress, it’s rays slowly catching the fortress walls, spreading across the huge crowd of people. Some may still be dancing, others may be sitting around and talking, while others may be handing in the white flag, slowly going back home.
