San Fermín in Pamplona: Bull Run Begins Amid Protests by Animal Rights Activists

The bull run is broadcast live by several Spanish television channels. Still on the evening of the same day, death awaits the bulls in the arena: following the strict choreography of the "corridas," the so-called picadores first drive a lance into the neck of the animals from armored horses to weaken them. Then the banderilleros, on foot, stick colorful wooden sticks with barbs into the necks of the approximately 600-kilogram bulls to heighten their aggression. In the end, the matador, as the main performer, finishes off the bull with a targeted sword thrust to the heart.

Already on Sunday, activists from AnimaNaturalis and PETA had staged a performance at the town hall square. They appeared half-naked, wearing fake horns, and with red paint on their bodies meant to represent the blood of the killed animals. They held signs reading "Bullfighting is sin" and "Thou shalt not kill" in several languages.

Protests by Animal Rights Activists

PETA Vice President Mimi Bekhechi told the German Press Agency: „Tradition ist niemals eine Entschuldigung für Grausamkeit." The organization also argues that the veneration of the Catholic city patron saint San Fermín through the spilling of the blood of God's creatures contradicts traditional Christian values.

Filmmaker Eva Güimil described the event as „Tierfolter im Live-TV." Travel accounts such as those of the German scholar Wilhelm von Humboldt also express disgust over the „barbarischen und grausamen" bullfights.

Arguments of Supporters

Supporters point out that the fighting bulls grow up freely on pastures for four to five years and that proceeds from ticket sales finance the city's largest retirement home for hundreds of low-income seniors. In addition, according to the city administration, the Sanfermines generated a "total financial impact" of nearly 260 million euros for Pamplona last year.

Despite economic arguments, surveys show that around 70 percent of respondents say they are not in favor of bullfighting. However, less than half also speak out in favor of an outright ban. Every July, the spectacle attracts more than 400,000 visitors to Pamplona.

Historical Context

American writer Ernest Hemingway immortalized the festival in his novel "Fiesta" (1926). Historically, criticism of bullfighting, which until the 18th century was a privilege of the nobility, arose early. Roman gladiatorial combats were already banned in the early fifth century by Emperor Honorius.

After the end of the corrida, mules drag the dead bull out of the arena; its meat can later be served in restaurants in the city. The debate over the continuation of the tradition is likely to continue controversially this July as well.