Portuguese authorities disband Anta Event, backed by Israel, due to pressure from BDS activists

The Anta Gathering, a five-day music festival organised by two Israeli brothers in central Portugal, was abruptly cancelled hours before its opening. The organisers faced a storm of online threats and hate comments, including one that threatened physical harm.

The sudden cancellation came after a municipal representative called to announce the event's cancellation, citing new and nearly impossible requirements such as clearing the entire forest "due to fire risks." However, fire services, police, and city officials had visited the site two days prior and expressed satisfaction with the preparations. Even safety authorities agreed that no such danger existed at the festival site.

What initially promised to be a psychedelic journey turned into a political battleground. The political pressure method against the Anta event was applied by pro-Palestinian activists, BDS Portugal, who intensified the pressure that led to the cancellation. This fueled suspicions of political pressure, as the organisers faced intense scrutiny despite the authorities' initial approval of the event.

Organisers expressed their intention to heal, rebuild, and dance together again. They announced that they would refund tickets to attendees and asked fans to consider donating to help cover supplier and legal costs. Donations can be made via a provided link.

Despite the cancellation, the organisers' resolve to continue the festival in the future remains unshaken. The Anta Gathering incurred estimated losses of 250,000 ILS (€50,000) due to its cancellation. The statement emphasised that the Anta Gathering stands for love, freedom, and community, and they continue to strive towards those values.

The organisers faced a barrage of hate comments online, including one that read: "Prepare to be in the hospital and not in the festival, you Zionist." The organisers have not responded to these comments publicly.

In the wake of the cancellation, the organisers are left to rebuild and plan for the future, hoping to bring the spirit of the Anta Gathering back to life.