As Pohoda celebrates its 30th edition, Slovakia’s largest summer multi-genre festival finds itself at the centre of debates about its political and socially engaged identity. For more than 25 years, it has combined music with public debate and contemporary art, reflecting the issues shaping society. From Václav Havel’s landmark visit in 2008, which reinforced Joan Baez’s decision to perform, to the 2026 edition, where Zuzana Čaputová and Petr Pavel took to the discussion stage and The Cure made their Pohoda debut, the programme traces the moments that have defined the festival. Founder Michal Kaščák, Hospitality Manager Barbora Bodnárová and Holger Jens Schmidt, Secretary General of the European Festivals Association, reflect on Pohoda’s place among Europe’s leading festivals. Meanwhile, The Prodigy return for their third Pohoda performance since 2005, and IDLES share what it means to be back in Trenčín.