The 16th edition of Festival Slobody (Freedom Festival) opened in Bratislava on 3 November 2026. Iga Raczyńska, Deputy Director of the European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (ENRS), attended the opening ceremony and addressed the audience on behalf of the Network, a long-standing partner of the event.
Organised by the Nation’s Memory Institute (ÚPN), Festival slobody brings together films, exhibitions, discussions, concerts and other cultural and educational activities exploring the legacy of totalitarian regimes and the meaning of freedom in contemporary society. Running until 17 November, this year's edition continues to provide a meeting place for those interested in history, democracy, human rights and public remembrance.
In her opening remarks, Iga Raczyńska emphasised the importance of historical education in an era increasingly shaped by disinformation, half-truths and manipulation. As she noted, education about the past should go beyond the transmission of dates and facts, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and informed discussion.
“Because people who understand context are much harder to mislead,” she observed.
Raczyńska also highlighted the particular value of initiatives that make history accessible through cultural experiences and personal encounters. By bringing together different forms of expression, from film and music to public debate, Festival slobody creates opportunities not only to learn about the past but also to reflect on its relevance to present-day democratic societies.
The ENRS Deputy Director congratulated Dr Jerguš Sivoš and the team at the Nation’s Memory Institute on the festival’s continued development, recognising its growing diversity and its role as a platform for dialogue.
ENRS has supported Festival slobody for many years. This partnership reflects the Network’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in the field of historical remembrance and promoting a deeper understanding of Europe’s twentieth-century history.
As Raczyńska reminded the audience in closing, freedom, like memory, requires attention and active participation.
Festival Slobody 2026 takes place in Bratislava from 3 to 17 November. Admission to the events is free.
For more information and the full programme, visit festivalslobody.sk/en.