The Anta Gathering, an international cultural festival dedicated to music, nature, and freedom of expression, is facing a smear campaign that threatens its realization in São Pedro do Sul, in the district of Viseu. The event is scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 1 and expects to welcome around 800 participants, featuring internationally renowned artists.
In recent days, the BDS Portugal movement has called for a boycott of the festival and spread claims linking the initiative to the war in Gaza. According to the organizers, these allegations are “completely false” and part of a coordinated attempt to prevent the event from taking place.
Beyond the controversy, artists and guests have received direct threats, leading some international participants to cancel their presence due to safety concerns.
Although all legal and safety permits had already been approved by the municipality of São Pedro do Sul, sources close to the organization revealed that, in the final stage, authorities decided to reconsider the authorization due to political pressure.
The organizers also warn of the dangerous precedent this case could set, allowing cultural events across Europe to be halted through threats and disinformation campaigns.
In a statement, Anta Gathering called for public, political, and media support to ensure the safe realization of the festival and to defend cultural and artistic freedom.
