The Belgrade Beer Fest, once a symbol of summer music life, is causing a storm of dissatisfaction and controversy this year. The festival, once synonymous with good music and fun, has now, according to critics, turned into a booze-fest with unlimited beer consumption for just 2 dinars! Yes, you read that right – unlimited beer for practically free, and the music? Well, it seems music has become just a backdrop for mass intoxication.
Beer as the Main Act
The Beer Fest has long lost its original identity. Instead of being a festival promoting quality music and culture, it has become a place where people drink themselves senseless. The organizers, Sky Music, introduced the concept of “all the beer you can drink” for a ridiculous 2 dinars, sparking a wave of criticism. Many argue this is an invitation to irresponsible alcohol consumption, especially among youth and minors, as questions arise about how age will be controlled at such a massive event.
Political Background and Monopolies
Sky Music, behind the organization, is not just an ordinary music promoter. This company is known as a “court” franchise with ties to the top levels of power, complicating the situation further. Critics claim the Beer Fest has become another tool for political propaganda and control of public space, while the real music scene is suffocated. Even some performers, like Goblini, were canceled for alleged political reasons, while others boycotted the festival.
Devastation of Public Space and Citizen Discontent
The festival takes place at Ušće, one of Belgrade’s most beautiful parks, which remains devastated after each event. Citizens and the “Beograd ostaje” movement warn that public space is being usurped throughout the summer, and green areas are left destroyed. Bicycle paths and recreational spaces are closed, further irritating city residents.
Public Reactions and Boycott
A heated debate is ongoing on social media. Most support the boycott of the Beer Fest, believing the festival has lost its meaning and become just a booze party under the patronage of the authorities. However, some think the Beer Fest is still an important event for Belgrade, even though it has changed its character. Dramaturge and executive director of the Mikser festival, Ivan Lalić, points out that the Beer Fest never gained the charisma and international reputation of Exit, and now has sunk further into political games and commercialization.
What Awaits Us at the Beer Fest?
If things continue at this pace, the Beer Fest will become just another drunken crowd at Ušće, where people wander looking for the next round of beer, while real music and culture are forgotten. Sky Music apparently decided to bury its head in the beer and ignore criticism, but the question is how long the audience will tolerate this.
Conclusion
The Beer Fest once had the potential to be Belgrade’s musical gem. Today, it is a place where politics, alcohol, and commercial interests mix into a catastrophic combination. If you love music and culture, maybe it’s time to ask yourself – is the Beer Fest still a place for you? Or is it better to stay home and open a beer yourself?
So, what do you think? Is the Beer Fest a dead festival or just going through a rough patch? Drop a comment, share your festival story, or suggest how to save this drunken party before it completely falls apart!
