The traditional bull festival “Bous a la Mar”, held annually in the Mediterranean city of Denia in eastern Spain, was held on a limited scale this year. The festival is known as an event where bulls run down the street and jump into the sea.
The festival dates back to a 16th-century tradition and is of great importance to the people of Denia, but after a bull drowning incident last year, the festival faced backlash from animal rights activists and NGOs.
The municipality of Denia has decided to change the festival’s arrangements this year, limiting the festival. Normally held twice a day, the bull jumping event was held only in the evening this year.
Activities such as bull jumping and bullfighting have been held in halved at the festival. Municipal authorities said they took these measures to alleviate the suffering of the animals.
Colorful Images from the Festival
- The event, where 7 bulls were thrown into the sea as part of the festival, attracted great attention.
- People ran with the bulls and jumped into the sea and then helped pull the bulls out of the sea.
- The changes made to the festival after last year’s incident had a positive impact on Denia’s image.
