Festejos populares

25 / 32

feb 6, 2026

AnimaNaturalis appeals the decision to dismiss a complaint against bullfighting events held outside recognised festivities in La Ràpita

La Ràpita, España

The organisation argues that the 20th National Bou amb Corda Congress took place in mid-September on dates with no recognised festive tradition, and that the City Council authorised these events in breach of Law 34/2010. Can public authorities authorise bullfighting events outside traditional festivities? AnimaNaturalis will pursue all available legal avenues.

Read more →
oct 16, 2025

Sokamuturra: dragged by tradition, driven by fear

Elgoibar , España

The sokamuturra, popularly known as the “bull on a rope” or “cow on a rope,” returns every year to the squares and streets of numerous towns in the Basque Country. What many regard as tradition, others —and scientific evidence and animal welfare organizations that have documented its effects— recognize as a practice that causes physical and psychological stress, risk of injury, and, at times, acts of real cruelty repeated without effective sanction.

Read more →
jul 11, 2025

Dénia once again the epicenter of animal cruelty with their 'Bous a la Mar'

Dénia, España

On July 8th and 9th, investigators from AnimaNaturalis and CAS International documented one of the cruelest aspects of Dénia's local festivals: the 'bous a la mar' (bulls to the sea). This spectacle involves chasing young bulls and cows to force them off a purpose-built platform into the harbor waters. What is billed as tradition or entertainment becomes a hellscape for the animals – marked by sheer terror, physical blows, relentless heat, and utter exhaustion.

Read more →
jul 8, 2025

We expose the abuse of heifers in Sant Jaume d'Enveja

Sant Jaume d´Enveja, España

We visited Sant Jaume d'Enveja (Tarragona), one of the Catalan municipalities that organizes the most festivals, to expose the harassment and mockery that animals are subjected to in these popular celebrations.

Read more →
jul 6, 2025

The public attempt to prevent our team from filming Sant Jaume d'Enveja bull fiestas

Sant Jaume d´Enveja, España

While documenting a traditional "correbou" bull event in Sant Jaume d'Enveja (Tarragona), members of AnimaNaturalis – including its director Aïda Gascón – were assaulted and threatened. The footage reveals not only animal cruelty but also escalating violence against those working to expose it.

Read more →
dec 4, 2024

Historic suspension of the Toro Jubilo in Medinaceli marks a milestone in animal protection

Medinaceli, España

The celebration of Medinaceli's Toro Jubilo, scheduled for November 16, has been suspended by the Administrative Litigation Court of Soria, ruling that tradition does not justify animal suffering. The measure, in response to an appeal by PACMA, underscores the legal protection of animals as sentient beings and highlights the progress of Spanish legislation on animal welfare.

Read more →
sep 24, 2024

Sokamuturra: A tradition questioned for animal suffering

Elgoibar , España

Although Sokamuturra remains a traditional event in various towns across the Basque Country, animal rights advocates denounce the suffering inflicted on the bulls during these spectacles. Is it time to rethink this custom?

Read more →
sep 27, 2024

Heated debate at the Dénia City Council over the continuation of bous a la mar

Dénia, España

The recent debate in Dénia about bous a la mar rekindles the controversy between those defending bullfighting traditions and those fighting for animal rights. Despite the proposed modifications, the root of the conflict remains the exploitation and suffering of the bulls in these events.

Read more →
sep 4, 2024

Judicial ruling puts the future of Toro Jubilo in Medinaceli in jeopardy

Medinaceli, España

In a landmark decision in the fight against animal cruelty in Spain, the Administrative Litigation Court No. 1 of Soria has declared illegal the municipal ordinance that allowed the celebration of the Toro Jubilo in Medinaceli, Soria. This ordinance, dating back to 1999 and modified in 2000 and 2015, has been annulled following a lawsuit filed by the Animalist Party with the Environment (PACMA) in November 2023, in a process that could spell the end of one of the last "embolado" bull events in Castilla y León.

Read more →