Imagine a festival that has been rocking for 20 years and still stands as one of Zagreb’s biggest cultural events! Yes, we’re talking about the InMusic festival, held for the 17th time this year on the Jarun Island, featuring stellar performances from global stars like St. Vincent, Fontaines D.C., Kim Deal from Pixies, and Massive Attack. But it’s not just the music that makes this festival special — it’s a true cultural and social phenomenon that has elevated Zagreb to a new musical and civilizational level.
The festival is famously affordable — three days of music for a bargain price of around 100 euros, a rarity in today’s inflation-hit world. About 30,000 people enjoyed a genre-spanning lineup from afropop to alternative rock, all in one of the region’s most conservative societies. Beyond top-notch performances, the festival has become a platform for powerful social messages — Massive Attack closed the festival with a pro-Palestinian, anti-war statement, sparking a storm of reactions in the so-called “free” Western world.
Interestingly, the festival almost had Jack White on board, who was close to signing a contract but pulled out of all festival appearances this year. Still, that didn’t dim the festival’s shine, proving that Zagreb can host a world-class event without incidents, police interventions, or street chaos. The organizers have created a civilized atmosphere where music and culture are celebrated at the highest level.
InMusic is not just a festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has changed how the world sees Zagreb and Croatia. With a rich program including local artists, world music performers, and young talents, the festival proves that something big and meaningful can be done even in a society often closed and conservative. If you missed this year’s edition, get ready for the next season — InMusic is celebrating 20 years and planning even bigger things!
So, are you one of those who think InMusic is just another festival, or are you ready to admit this is a real cultural revolution? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and let’s celebrate this musical spectacle together!
