EXIT originated from a student movement that fought for democracy in Serbia and the Balkans. The first EXIT festival took place on the campus of the University of Novi Sad in 2000, after which it moved to Petrovardin Fortress, one of Novi Sad’s most recognizable landmarks. Over the next decade, EXIT became one of Europe’s leading music festivals and won multiple awards.
In the mid-2010s, the EXIT team began expanding beyond Serbia, organizing music festivals in neighboring countries such as Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. In November 2024, the festival organizers supported mass protests against corruption triggered by the collapse of the canopy at the Novi Sad railway station. Ultimately, this led to the cancellation of EXIT after its 2025 edition due to political pressure. Nevertheless, the team continued to organize events outside of Serbia.
In March 2026, the EXIT team announced the addition of a Malta festival to the EXIT World Tour, alongside festivals in Croatia, North Macedonia, Egypt, and India. According to the press release, the festival was inspired by Malta’s ancient Mediterranean heritage combined with the spirit of a contemporary music festival. The inaugural Spiral Festival was held on from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
The festival’s name references the ancient symbolism of the spiral, associated with movement, continuity, rhythm, and human connection, which has inspired artists throughout the ages. Some of the world’s oldest spiral ornaments, predating the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, are found in Maltese megalithic temple complexes, such as Mnajdra, Tarxien Temples, and Ħaġar Qim. Spiral Festival connects ancient rituals of togetherness with the rhythm of contemporary electronic dance music EDM, reflecting humanity’s unchanging need to belong to a community.
The festival’s lineup focuses exclusively on EDM, including techno, house, trance and related genres, and combines internationally renowned artists with emerging performers and local artists. For example, the inaugural event’s lineup included Argy, Fatboy Slim, Nina Kraviz, Layla Benitez, Lilly Palmer, LP Giobbi, Kasia, Divolly & Markward, Lanna, Miggy, Reblok, Debrii, Denzel Jo Armani, Dom, Gabii, JJoy, Juno, Jupo, Koroma, Mux, Pajsu, Privi, and Riolo.
The main venue of Spiral Festival is Gianpulla Village in Rabat, a club complex that has long been the heart of Malta’s exciting nightlife. Its five stages host world-class electronic music acts. The venue also has a VR zone with state-of-the-art immersive virtual experiences. The other locations are Café del Mar in Qawra and Toy Room Beach Club in Sliema. Both are perfect for open-air dance parties.
Each day of the festival takes place at a different venue. This encourages visitors to experience different parts of Malta over the long weekend. Attendees can purchase single-day tickets or full weekend passes.
Photo: spiral-festival.com
