WHAT better way to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Woodstock than by banning one music festival and almost cancelling another? The tales of Gothoom and Moldava Spolu differ only in the details.
The metal festival in Nová Baňa irritated mainly Catholics, who were offended by the anti-religious lyrics of some of the bands, whereas the event planned to take place in a Roma settlement near Moldava nad Bodvou met with opposition from the local white majority and the police. But both events illustrate the same traits in Slovak society - a fear of the unknown, a lack of tolerance and a taste for enforcing “traditional” values.
Sadly, it’s not only concert promoters who have to deal with this. The petition against gay rights, which may lead to a nationwide referendum, is another example.
As the festival season comes to an end, it seems it was not nearly long enough to help Slovakia loosen up. Hopefully, Woodstock’s ideals of peace, love and music will gain more traction next summer.
