The festival was set to be the first edition of what organizers hoped would become an annual event in Portugal. Planned for five days near São Pedro do Sul, it had received the necessary approvals from local authorities, with security arrangements and police presence already in place.
Despite this, organizers announced on Thursday that the event could no longer proceed, citing the scale of the opposition campaign and the financial damage it created. Local officials also pointed to safety concerns, noting that the festival grounds contained large amounts of flammable material that posed a potential fire risk.
In a statement, the Anta team described the campaign as “well-funded and orchestrated,” accusing BDS activists of spreading “misinformation fueled by hatred and nationalism.” The group expressed disappointment, saying the vision of Anta had always been to create “a space of music, love, and community,” not political confrontation.
Threats and Artist Withdrawals
The controversy escalated in the weeks leading up to the event. Several artists on the lineup announced that they were withdrawing from Anta after receiving severe threats and harassment online, further complicating the festival’s ability to move forward. Organizers said this atmosphere of intimidation contributed heavily to the decision to cancel.
Accusations and Response
BDS Portugal and allied groups had called for a total boycott, highlighting that some of the organizers are Israeli citizens and, according to activists, had served in the Israeli Defense Forces. The movement argued that their involvement in the event amounted to “normalizing war crimes,” and demanded Portuguese institutions withdraw support.
The Anta organizers strongly rejected these claims, stressing that none of the production team had been deployed to Gaza or taken part in violence, and that the accusations misrepresented who they are. “We are not our government. We are human beings, musicians, and artists seeking to connect people through culture,” they said.
Financial Fallout
The cancellation has left Anta facing severe losses. Artists had already booked flights, suppliers had been paid, and ticket refunds are now required. Organizers have appealed to supporters to consider partial refunds or donations, launching a crowdfunding campaign to cover the shortfall.
Broader Debate
The case underscores the growing intersection of culture and geopolitics in Europe, where Israeli participation in music and arts is increasingly challenged by activist groups. Supporters of Anta argue that cultural exchange should remain separate from political disputes, while critics maintain that art cannot be detached from accountability in times of conflict.
Despite the setback, the Anta team vowed to continue their work, promising to “heal, rebuild, and return stronger.”
In the end, it remains unclear whether Anta was cancelled primarily because of pressure from the BDS campaign or due to the festival’s failure to obtain sufficient licenses and meet safety requirements.