XVII Festival of Modern Music in Lviv: Cultural Resistance Continues
The XVII All-Ukrainian Festival of Modern Song and Popular Music will take place in Lviv in partnership with the Resistance Movement of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This was announced by the festival organizers.
This year's slogan: 'Red Ruta Resonates – Resistance Continues!'
'Red Ruta' is a legendary festival that since 1989 has served as a launching pad for many famous music groups and a symbol of cultural resistance. In 2025, we continue this tradition, with numerous new performers shaping the modern music culture. Amid war, 'Red Ruta' continues its mission to support national identity and cultural development during these difficult times. The festival nurtures a new generation of cultural ambassadors of the Resistance Movement,' the organizers emphasized.
They added that the festival has always been not only an artistic but also a societal phenomenon, symbolizing the revival of Ukrainian identity. In Soviet Ukraine, 'Red Ruta' sparked a cultural revolution, bringing Ukrainian protest music from the underground to the mainstream. Today, the festival helps shape the moral compass of society and unites artists, veterans, cultural figures, military personnel, and politicians to support national identity and cultural growth during the war.
Over five days, more than 400 young bands and performers will take the main stage (Concert Arena Malewicz) in six categories – from ethnic singing to experimental electronic music. Previously, 'Red Ruta' was the starting stage for 'Okean Elzy', 'Tartak', Ruslana, 'Skryabin', and many other well-known artists.
A traveling stage featuring representatives of the Cultural Descent and other artists who supported the Resistance Movement of the Special Operations Forces will operate in the central streets of Lviv.
In addition to concerts, the festival will include panel discussions and lectures with diplomats, military personnel, cultural figures, business representatives, and civil society on topics such as patriotic education for youth, cultural diplomacy, and veteran policies.
The Special Operations Forces plan to hold closed meetings with the youth of Lviv, including a screening of the film 'People of the Color of Freedom' from the National Resistance Center, presentations of murals from the 'Resistance Murals' competition winners, and historical lectures.
The Resistance Movement of the Special Operations Forces is a civic initiative aimed against the occupying forces, with the goal of liberating territories and restoring state sovereignty. Its activities include both non-violent resistance and active actions in support of the Armed Forces.
