Israeli-organized Anta Gathering shut down in Portugal after BDS campaign pressure

The Anta Gathering, a five-day music festival organized by two Israeli brothers in central Portugal, was canceled hours before its opening after intense pressure from BDS Portugal. What was billed as a “psychedelic journey” quickly turned into a political battleground, leaving organizers, artists, and attendees devastated.

Festival producers explained that authorities initially approved the event. Fire services, police, and city officials visited the site two days before and expressed satisfaction with preparations. Organizers were verbally told the final permit would arrive shortly. However, the night before the festival, 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.” According to organizers, even safety authorities agreed that no such danger existed, fueling suspicions of political pressure.

Alongside regulatory hurdles, the team faced threats and hate comments online. One message chillingly read: “Prepare to be in the hospital and not in the festival, you Zionist.” The organizers wrote on social media: “In the last days, we faced a well-funded and orchestrated BDS campaign built on lies and hatred… Their goal was never about music or community, but only to divide, intimidate and cause pain.”

The sudden cancellation has left the festival with losses estimated at 250,000 ILS (€50,000). Organizers announced they would refund tickets but asked fans to consider donating to help cover supplier and legal costs. Donations can be made via this link.

They concluded: “Anta is about love, freedom and community — and no campaign of hate will ever destroy that. With your support, we will heal, rebuild, and dance together again.”