On July 13, 2025, the jubilee edition of the EXIT Festival came to a spectacular close in Novi Sad, Serbia, attracting over 210,000 visitors from 120 countries. Held at the historic Petrovaradin Fortress, the festival once again proved to be a powerful cultural and socio-economic force for the country.
SRBIJA NEWS – The festival’s central themes revolved around freedom, solidarity, and inner strength. Internationally renowned motivational speaker Henry Amar delivered an inspiring address from the main stage, rallying tens of thousands of attendees with the message: “When they try to silence you, you become louder! But they can never take our freedom away!” The crowd echoed with chants of “Pumpaj!”, a symbol of student protests and resistance.
Despite unprecedented financial and organizational challenges, the EXIT team succeeded in delivering a memorable jubilee edition, showcasing their dedication and unity. Musically, the festival offered an eclectic and rich program. On the Tesla Universe stage, legendary band Hurts performed timeless hits, evoking nostalgia and euphoria. Burak Yeter dazzled the audience with his cosmic costume and live guitar playing, while Mystic Marley, granddaughter of Bob Marley, brought her unique energy.
The monumental Dance Arena was dominated by Solomun and his Diynamic takeover, creating a magical dawn experience with guest artists Mau P, DJ Gigola, and Tijana T. The Fusion stage blended genres from hip-hop to rock, featuring veterans like Partibrejkersi and Pekinška Patka, highlighting music’s social engagement.
A highlight of the festival was the triumphant return of The Prodigy, whose performance of classics like “Voodoo People” and “Firestarter” electrified the crowd. The band expressed their deep connection to Serbia, performing at EXIT for the sixth time.
According to TIM Center research, the EXIT Festival contributed €23.7 million to Serbia’s economy in 2024 alone, with a total impact exceeding €270 million since its inception. Remarkably, 83% of international visitors came solely for EXIT, underscoring its importance in positioning Novi Sad and Serbia as global cultural destinations.
EXIT also focused on mental health and digital addiction, launching awareness campaigns and support centers on site. An impressive 87% of respondents reported a positive impact on their mental well-being thanks to the festival.
EXIT once again demonstrated how music and culture serve as bridges across generations and nations, inspiring youth and promoting societal progress. Though the festival has ended, its spirit and energy will resonate for years to come, cementing Novi Sad’s role as a global music and cultural hub.
