Festival of Menstruation 2026
Pariter
Croatia
The Festival of Menstruation is an interdisciplinary cultural programme that uses art and participation to challenge stigma around menstruation, reproductive health and the politics of care. Bringing together artists, activists, health professionals and citizens, the festival transforms public space into a platform for dialogue, learning and collective action. Through workshops, artistic interventions and discussions, it encourages civic participation and raises awareness about bodily autonomy, menstrual poverty and access to care.
The Festival of Menstruation was launched in 2023 to challenge the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation and reproductive health. Over the past three editions, it has grown into a unique cultural platform in Rijeka that combines art, education and civic participation. The 2026 edition, titled Politics of Care, explores who has access to healthcare and social support, how institutions regulate bodies and how culture can create spaces for democratic dialogue and social change. Through exhibitions, performances, film screenings, workshops and public discussions, the festival brings topics such as menstrual poverty, reproductive justice, menopause and postpartum mental health into public debate. The programme takes place across several cultural and community spaces in Rijeka and is free and accessible to all generations. By connecting artists, activists, healthcare professionals and citizens, the festival acts as a civic laboratory where culture becomes a tool for participation, collective reflection and social transformation.