During a concert by the death metal band Baalzagoth at the Bangarang Festival, a cross was set on fire. Footage of the incident quickly spread online, sparking widespread debate. The event was co-financed by Gostyń County, which is governed by a coalition that includes the Civic Coalition (KO) and the Polish People’s Party (PSL). County authorities condemned the incident and announced they would review the grant agreement. The band, however, insists there was no issue because the cross did not actually burn – only pyrotechnic gel applied to it was ignited. The case is now being investigated by the Gostyń County Police Headquarters.
The cross was set on fire during the Bangarang Festival in Chwałkowo, held on June 27-28, 2026. A video circulating on social media shows a man igniting a cross positioned in front of the stage. A firefighter can also be seen extinguishing the flames.
“We Are Reviewing the Terms of the Agreement”
The Gostyń County Office condemned the burning of the cross. In an official statement, the authorities wrote that “this act is outrageous and unacceptable in a world where tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs should be of fundamental importance.” They added that “the deliberate destruction of a symbol that is important to the majority of society is an act of vandalism that offends religious sentiments and European civilization.”
“We are currently reviewing the provisions of the grant agreement for the organization of the festival to determine whether the contract should be terminated and the funding reclaimed.”
“Just Props”
The organizers and the band, however, do not believe there was a problem. The Gentlemen of Metal Association (Stowarzyszenie Dżentelmeni Metalu) published a joint statement together with Baalzagoth, saying that the burning crosses were “part of a planned theatrical artistic performance and stage design.” According to the statement, they were “merely props,” without an image of Christ, intended to reference the era of the Inquisition and the persecution of heretics. The band’s intention, it said, was “to create a coherent artistic vision, not to incite hatred.” It also emphasized that “the props themselves did not burn – only professional pyrotechnic gel applied to them was consumed.”
Christianophobia?
The incident has sparked significant discussion online. Commentators have pointed, among other things, to Article 196 of the Polish Criminal Code, which concerns offending religious feelings.