**Cancelled Kyrenia Concert: EXIT Festival Withdraws Amid Political Sensitivities**
The Serbian festival company EXIT has officially announced its withdrawal from the Nexus festival, which was scheduled to take place near Kyrenia castle in northern Cyprus. The decision, made public on Thursday, stems from the company's realization of the complex historical and political context surrounding the location, which they initially underestimated.
EXIT, known for its commitment to using music as a unifying force, expressed regret over the disruption caused by its involvement in the event. The company stated that its original intention was to foster connections among people on a divided island, drawing parallels to its own origins in the Balkans, where it began as a movement for freedom and peace in the aftermath of the conflicts in the 1990s.
In a statement, EXIT emphasized that music should serve to bring communities together rather than create divisions. “From the beginning, our intention was to bring people closer together,” the company noted, highlighting its desire to avoid any scenarios where its festival could exacerbate existing tensions.
The Nexus festival was set to occur in September as part of EXIT’s international program. However, the proposed venue near Kyrenia castle faced significant political opposition from officials and political figures in the Republic of Cyprus. Concerns were raised that hosting an international event at such a historically significant site could inadvertently contribute to the normalization of the situation in the occupied north.
While EXIT acknowledged its awareness of the longstanding Cyprus conflict, the company admitted that it did not fully grasp the depth of its ongoing implications. “We did not fully understand how deeply its consequences are still felt today,” they stated. The festival organizers had observed that international artists and brands had successfully held events in the north in recent years, leading them to believe that music could create a platform for dialogue and connection similar to their experiences in the Balkans.
Following the announcement of the Nexus festival, EXIT engaged with various stakeholders, including representatives from different perspectives and institutional bodies in Cyprus. This consultation process led them to a deeper understanding of the “historical and emotional significance” of Kyrenia and its castle, particularly for the Greek Cypriot community. Although the festival was not planned to take place inside the castle itself, EXIT recognized that the symbolic weight of the location could not be overlooked.
In light of these considerations, EXIT expressed its sincere regret for having initially agreed to participate in the project, confirming its withdrawal from the festival. The decision carries “serious legal and financial consequences” as the planning for the event was already underway. However, the company maintained that prioritizing the concerns surrounding the event was the responsible choice.
EXIT's history as a student movement in Serbia, which evolved into an international music festival, has been rooted in promoting tolerance, reconciliation, and coexistence among diverse cultures and religions. The company has faced challenges in its home country, particularly after supporting student protests in response to a tragic incident in 2024. This backdrop has shaped EXIT's commitment to fostering positive dialogue through music.
In its statement, EXIT clarified that its decision to withdraw was not intended to be a slight against any community in Cyprus or the cultural scene on the island. “We hope that there will be another opportunity to meet under conditions in which the focus can be on the people, the music, and the experience we share,” they concluded.
The cancellation of the Nexus festival highlights the complex interplay between culture and politics in Cyprus, a nation still grappling with the ramifications of its division. As the island continues to navigate these sensitive issues, the role of music as a potential bridge between communities remains a topic of discussion.