The Global South, encompassing regions like Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and even the Balkans holds a wealth of cultural and musical diversity. It is here that we find some extraordinary music festivals that not only showcase incredible talent but also provide a gateway to unique destinations off the beaten track. Let’s embark on a journey to explore five of these remarkable festivals, starting with the Balkans.
- LOVEFEST: Unleashing the Beat in Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia | Lovefest, situated in the stunning surroundings of Vrnjacka Banja, is a music festival that ignites the Balkans with its electrifying energy. Offering affordable prices compared to its European counterparts, Lovefest boasts a visionary music selection that will leave you mesmerized. Imagine three days of non-stop partying, featuring world-renowned artists like Hunee, Adam Beyer, FJAAK, and many more. With multiple dance floors catering to diverse electronic music genres, Lovefest guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Festival Details:
- Date: August 3-5, 2023
- Venue: Vrnjacka Banja Lake, Serbia
- Website: [https://lovefest.rs/]
- Festival tickets starting from 35e
- NISVILLE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL: The Rhythmic Oasis in Nis, Serbia | Nisville International Jazz Festival, nestled within the historical walls of the eighteenth-century fortress in Nis, Serbia, is a yearly extravaganza celebrating the rich tapestry of jazz music. Showcasing over 50 bands across multiple stages, this festival brings together a diverse array of talent. From soul superstar Solomon Burke to the British acid jazz band Incognito, and regional jazz luminaries, such as Nicola Conte, the festival promises an enchanting musical journey. Join the ranks of jazz aficionados and experience the magic of Nisville, Serbia’s premier jazz event.
Festival Details:
- Date: August 4-13, 2023
- Venue: Nis Fortress, Nis, Serbia
- Website: [https://nisville.com/en/nisville-jazz-festival/]
- Festival passes starting from 30e
- SUNCEBEAT FESTIVAL 2023: Where Electronic Music Meets Adriatic Bliss | Nestled along the picturesque shores of Tisno, Croatia, the Suncebeat Festival serves as a sonic sanctuary for electronic music enthusiasts. Set within the scenic Garden Tisno resort, this festival curates a lineup of established icons from the electronic music industry. With the likes of Body & Soul NYC, Kruder & Dorfmeister, DJ Spoony, Palms Trax, and many more, Suncebeat Festival promises an immersive experience with 24/7 music across nightclubs, day parties, and boat excursions. Dance to the rhythm of the Adriatic and create everlasting memories.
Festival Details:
- Date: July 20-27, 2023
- Venue: Tisno, Croatia
- Website: [https://suncebeat.com/]
- Festival passes starting from 250e
- PLISSKEN FESTIVAL 2023: Athens’ Cutting-Edge Melodic Odyssey | In the cradle of civilization, Athens, Greece, Plissken Festival sets the stage for a cutting-edge musical extravaganza. This eclectic festival captivates audiences with its fusion of diverse music styles and its renowned Lab workshop for event management. Over three consecutive nights, Athens comes alive with the sounds of over 40 international and local artists, spread across three vibrant venues. With past line-ups that have featured the likes of Perfume Genius, Savages, Mogwai, and King Krule, Plissken Festival continues to push boundaries and present the most forward-thinking acts in the industry. The festival’s unique street festival atmosphere, complete with a food court, cocktail bar, and lounge area, adds to the immersive experience, making it a must-visit event for music enthusiasts. Festival Details:
- Date: September 15-17, 2023
- Venue: Athens, Piraeus, Greece
- Website: [https://www.plisskenfestival.gr/upcoming-events/]
- Festival tickets available from 30e
- OASIS FESTIVAL: Where Music Meets Desert | Splendor Escape to a boutique festival nestled in the enchanting desert of Ouarzazate, Morocco. Oasis Festival, with its latest edition titled “Into the Wild,” transports attendees to the historic location of Atlas Studios, where movies like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy were filmed. Beyond the pulsating dance floors, visitors can indulge in the contemporary flavors of Moroccan cuisine and immerse themselves in cutting-edge art and cultural pop-ups from local creators in North Africa. The lineup, featuring the likes of DJ Koze, Kosh (live), Ania, Honey Dijon, and many other talented artists, promises to ignite the desert air with its eclectic sounds. To ensure your comfort, the festival offers a range of hotels with swimming pools, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate amidst the desert’s awe-inspiring landscapes.
Festival Details:
- Date: October 27-29, 2023
- Venue: Ouarzazate, Morocco
- Website: [https://www.intothewild.ma/]
- Festival tickets available from 200e
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and captivating atmospheres of these top five music festivals in the Global South. Whether you find yourself dancing by the lakeside in Serbia, indulging in the soulful melodies of jazz in Nis, Croatia, or embarking on a musical adventure amidst the historical wonders of Athens or the Moroccan desert, these festivals are bound to leave you with unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover new destinations and experience the magic of music in the Global South.
Writer. Blogger. Traveler. Researcher. Electronic Music Lover.
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