Social media users ignited a storm of criticism last week over Saudi Arabia's first-ever Comic-Con , denouncing it as a gathering of "devil-worshippers." While many young people were stoked on the inaugural event, the backlash against it highlights the divide between the growing liberal and more conservative parts of Saudi society.

It took place February 16-18 in Jeddah, where attendees enjoyed music, film, art and video games – but not everyone was having it. According to Newsweek, one user tweeted: “Comic-Con is the devil worshippers’ party in Jeddah.” Even the country’s entertainment authority voiced its concern, stating that it would be punishing the organizers of the event for an unspecified indiscretion, according to regional news site Gulf News.

“The General Authority for Entertainment regrets the violation committed by the organisers of the Comic-Con event,” the authority said.

The AFP news agency reported that one user wrote: “Indecency, mixing with Muslims’ women, dancing and music cannot be called entertainment, it’s an invitation for debauchery and sinning.”

Despite the backlash, there was outspoken support for the event for its progressive atmosphere, where men and women could mix together without the religious police present. The mixing of genders at public gatherings is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Stop being so boxed in! What is so wrong about it? These type of hashtags make me sick! #growup #كوميكون_حفل_عبده_الشيطان_بجده

— Zeyad Al-Sa'di (@ZezOS) February 13, 2017

Writer Sabria Jawhar wrote in the Huffington Post: “Parity for women in the workplace is a long way off, but if the freedom experienced at Comic Con is any indication, we can see it on the horizon.”

If that's not a testament to the power of hope and collective effervescence festivals can bestow upon a community, we don't know what is.