The 2025 Ultra Europe festival in Split ignited controversy as reports of intense police enforcement surfaced, stirring heated debate among the festival community.
On opening night alone, local police arrested 119 individuals, mainly for drug-related offenses, issuing fines totaling around €50,000. Over the full three-day event, detentions rose to 243, with fines hitting approximately €141,000. The majority of those detained were foreign nationals, indicating a strict crackdown on illegal substances and behavior.
The policing approach has divided attendees and observers. Some defend the actions as necessary law enforcement aimed at maintaining order and safety, emphasizing personal responsibility when it comes to drug use. Others criticize what they describe as aggressive tactics, invasive searches, and what some perceive as an extortion scheme dampening the festival’s spirit.
This discord played out vigorously on Reddit’s r/UMF subreddit, where a seasoned European festivalgoer warned against attending this year’s Ultra Croatia. Comments oscillated between supporting strict security and lamenting how harsh enforcement has compromised the carefree vibe typically expected at summer festivals.
Additionally, concerns were raised over the safety and treatment of attendees, including alleged harassment and issues with underage festivalgoers bypassing security. These factors contribute to a growing perception of Ultra Croatia as a challenging European festival stop in 2025.
Broader context points to Croatia’s efforts to moderate tourist behavior—such as Hvar’s noise restrictions targeting a more family-friendly environment—a move that may influence law enforcement tactics at large-scale events like Ultra Europe.
In summary, this latest edition of Ultra Croatia has spotlighted tensions between a festival community eager for freedom and local authorities determined to clamp down on illegal activities, bringing a new level of scrutiny to one of Europe’s biggest summer music events.
Source: r/UMF