Spain’s infamous ‘running of the bulls’ began this week: what is it and why do animal welfare groups want it banned?
Thousands of tourists descended upon the Spanish city of Pamplona this week for its controversial bull run, with several visitors gored and injured on the festival’s first day.
An infamous festival in Spain that sees terrified bulls charge through city streets before being killed in a bullring has begun this week.
The festival of San Fermín occurs in early July every year with traditional activities throughout the week including processions and firework displays. However, the festival’s most well-known event is the running of the bulls, which has long been condemned for animal cruelty.
The bull run occurs on each day of the festival, and begins in the morning with the launch of a firecracker to startle the bulls out of their pen. A group of six bulls then charge onto the city streets of Pamplona, which are lined with thousands of visitors and tourists who take part in the event.
The terrified bulls often hit onlookers and can also hurt themselves by charging into walls. The event has become well-known for being deadly, with 15 people having been killed during the event since 1925.
During the first day of this year’s festival, the media reported that six people were injured including a 54-year-old American from New York.
Later in the afternoon of each day's festivities, a bullfight begins in which the six bulls that were used in the bull run are stabbed and killed by bullfighters.
Some tour guides in Pamplona say that tourists from the US and Canada can make up to 70 percent of their festival bookings.
The festival, which sees 60 bulls killed each year, has been condemned by many animal rights groups in Spain and around the world. Some groups including AnimaNaturalis and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) held protests at the start of this year’s festival.
Protesters at this year’s festival. Credit: PETA UK
“Every year, terrified bulls are driven through Pamplona’s crowded streets just to meet a prolonged and agonising death in the bullring,” said PETA Vice President Mimi Bekhechi. “Culture and tradition are no excuse for cruelty, and it’s high time the violent slaughter of these vulnerable animals was stopped.”
There is growing support for a new legislative initiative called #NoEsMiCultura, which translates as ‘It’s Not My Culture’, and is spearheaded by animal rights activists in Spain. The campaign aims to repeal the law that designates bullfighting as “cultural heritage” and helps empower Spanish communities to prohibit the blood sport.
We Have A Favor To Ask…
Species Unite amplifies well-researched solutions to some of the most abusive animal industries operating today.
At this crucial moment, with worldwide momentum for change building, it’s vital we share these animal-free solutions with the world - and we need your help.
We’re a nonprofit, and so to keep sharing these solutions, we’re relying on you - with your support, we can continue our essential work in growing a powerful community of animal advocates this year.
