Štefan Štec to Bring Rusyn Songs, Traditions and Powerful Emotions to Pohoda 2026
One of the performers at Pohoda 2026 will be Štefan Štec – a charismatic singer and one of the most prominent voices of contemporary Rusyn music. At Trenčín Airport, he will present songs deeply rooted in tradition while remaining open to the present day, captivating both folklore enthusiasts and audiences far beyond the folk music scene.
05. June 2026
Štefan Štec first gained wider recognition through the television show Zem spieva (The Land Sings), where he impressed viewers with his remarkable voice, natural stage presence and strong connection to Rusyn culture. Since then, he has become one of its most visible ambassadors both in Slovakia and abroad. His work focuses on preserving and revitalising traditional songs from the Carpathian region, presenting them with respect for their origins while making them accessible to contemporary audiences.
His debut album Poleťiv by'm na kraj svita introduced unique songs from the Slovak-Polish-Ukrainian borderlands and became one of the most successful folk releases of its generation. Through subsequent projects with his band Fajta, he has continued to blend tradition with modern sounds, proving that the Rusyn language and folk heritage can speak powerfully to today’s listeners.
Pohoda and Štefan Štec share a long history. He has appeared at the festival several times before, taking part in the Dance House programme and the traditional Sunrise Welcome gathering. This time, he returns with a concert that will bring uplifting songs, moving ballads and the spirit of the Carpathians directly to the festival grounds.
Štefan Štec’s music reminds us that traditions are not relics of the past, but a living language capable of connecting people across generations and borders. We are looking forward to welcoming him back to Pohoda 2026.
Pohoda 2026 will feature performances by The Cure, Gorillaz, The Prodigy, Lykke Li, Denzel Curry, IDLES, Oliver Tree, Apashe & Brass Orchestra, Action Bronson, Emilíana Torrini, Baxter Dury, and many more.
The festival is already sold out; only the last 300 4-day passes are still available.
One-day tickets for THE CURE Extra Day are still available.
Pohoda Festival will take place on July 8 & July 9–11, 2026, at Trenčín Airport.