August 10, 2025
Montreal’s Under Pressure festival celebrates its 30th anniversary in style
This past weekend, Under Pressure celebrated its 30th anniversary on the streets and in the alleyways of Montreal, and did so as they have done from the start, way back in 1996 – in style.
Over those three decades, the city of Montreal has undergone an incredible amount of chance. Many of the walls and spots where the Under Pressure festival used to paint, no longer exist. The roof top DJs spots gone, lost to the gentrification of the downtown core. Parking lots where events once took place are now high rise luxury condominiums. But life goes on. Under Pressure goes on. Because urban culture moves on.
See Also: Despite horrendous weather, Pouzza fest was a brilliant time
At its roots, Under Pressure exists to celebrate underground or urban culture. From graffiti art that can be found on the walls and bridges, trains and everything in between in most major cities across the globe. To break dancing competitions, skateboarding – and of course, hip hop. Under Pressure celebrates a way of of life. A lifestyle that is heavily merged with art and culture, and as a package, that is a beautiful thing.
In case that wasn’t already, Under Pressure draws artists from all over the world, to come to Montreal and decorate it with incredible pieces that will be proudly on display until the next edition of the festival comes around on the calendar. Under Pressure is the largest and longest running event of its kind all across North America.
All weekend long, a great collection of DJ’s had been spinning sounds from various spots about the streets and alleyways within the festival zone. The break dancing battles were intense, creative, and above all else incredibly entertaining. The painters and writers put insane skills on display, leaving their marks on the city. All in, more than a hundred and fifty artists participated in the events that took place over the weekend. A hundred and fifty champions of the underground.
Saturday featured a free performance from El Da Sensai – while the festival reached its pinnacle Sunday night, capped off with a free show by Canadian hip hop royalty, Choclair. This was the block party of block parties and everyone that came out did so with a smile on their faces.
Read More:
>> Pouzza Fest 2025 photo gallery – Samantha Morris
>> Pouzza Fest 2025 photo gallery – Kieron Yates
>> The 200th Montreal Saint-Patrick’s Day in photos
Scorching hot weather gave a tropical vibe to the festival as summer was in full effect. The sun only added to ambience of the experience, blending in with the beats laid down by the DJs, the rhymes from the MCs, as the beautifully sweet stench of paint filled the immediate area. As I have been every year, I was amazed by the levels of skill of display all around me. Under Pressure truly is something to behold. Something special.
Thirty years! Well, it’s a long time, isn’t it. Here’s to thirty more!
