Ad Sidera Semper has returned to Bocas del Toro. Before another festival is allowed, residents deserve answers.
The evidence is clear: Ad Sidera Semper has failed.
Five commitments went unmet: to the reserve, to the community, to local workers, to safety, to its neighbours.
Structures were built in or near a protected Bocas del Toro sea-turtle nesting reserve.
Turtle hatchlings can emerge into November, overlapping with festival dates.
Wildlife experts have formally warned about noise, light and debris risks to turtles, monkeys, sloths and the ecosystem.
Not a single bottle has been recycled in five years of the festival.
Water filtration and catchment for a local school: not delivered as pledged.
Wildlife bridges: not delivered as pledged.
Primate rehabilitation support: not delivered as pledged.
Foreign workers were brought in without required work permits, while local hiring was bypassed.
The second-year event experienced documented production and safety failures.
The evidence brief also identifies an existing attendee injury lawsuit.
Neighboring Bocas del Toro hotels publicly rejected hosting another edition.
Papa Gato Animal Welfare was invited to participate and declined.
A Bocas del Toro resident formally petitioned the Mayor to relocate the festival on reserve-protection grounds.
Not a single dollar has been raised for Bocas nonprofits in five years. Zero community engagement.
Organizers must publicly address the failures of previous events, account for outstanding commitments, and demonstrate that the community and ecosystem will be protected.
Tell local authorities, sponsors, artists and organizers:
Thank you. Share this page: the third edition is decided locally, and volume matters.
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