The Uprising festival. (source: TASR)
Reggae and Slovakia might seem like an unlikely pairing, but for the past 18 years, Rasťo Pružinec and Sveťo Moravčík - the driving force behind Uprising Festival, Slovakia’s only reggae festival - have made it their mission to prove otherwise.
Held on the last weekend of August each year, the festival brings world-class reggae, hip-hop, and electronic artists to the shores of Bratislava’s Zlaté Piesky lake. It is the only camping festival within the city limits and, thanks to its affordable ticket prices and central location, has become a staple for many Bratislavans. It also attracts a sizeable international audience.
The festival takes its name from the Slovak National Uprising, the partisan fight against Nazi occupation that began in August 1944. Past editions have featured high-profile acts such as Lauryn Hill, De La Soul and Julian Marley.
Humble beginnings
Uprising began as a small, underground event blending reggae with hip-hop and electronic music, catering to a niche audience.
