Spain celebrates one of its cruellest fiestas

Spain celebrates one of its cruellest fiestas
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By h.b. - Nov 17, 2008 - 8:09 AM

The scene in the Plaza Mayor of Medinaceli, Soria on Saturday night - Photo EFE

The Toro Júbilo fiesta is defended by most of the residents of Medinaceli, in Soria.

One of the cruellest fiestas held in Spain took place on Saturday in Medinaceli, Soria – the Toro Júbilo.

The fiesta consists of tying down a bull and then covering the animal with a mixture of mud and water. A board is tied to the horns of the beast and to that two torches of fire are attached. The bull is then tormented by the crowd until the fire goes out.

This year’s victim was called ‘El Guapo’, and was a three year old Bull weighing 412 kilos.

The local Mayor defended the continuation of the fiesta saying it dated from the times of the Iberians. It had been banned between the Franco years of 1962 and 1977 after some British reporters drew attention to its cruelty.
Many ecologist groups have attacked the fiesta and the PACMA group against the ill-treatment of animals was at the fiesta on Saturday to make their protest. Another group El Refugio said it was clear on Saturday how ‘El Guapo’ was transfixed by panic.

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