Ubrique Declares Mourning After Bull Gores Reveller During Festival

Ubrique authorities cancelled fireworks and ordered flags at half-mast today after a bull gored a 57-year-old man during the Toro del Gayumbo festival yesterday.

A fatal goring during the dusk run of the 10th annual Toro del Gayumbo festival in southern Spain has reignited criticism of the event’s safety and tradition.

The incident occurred around 6:30 pm on Sunday, when a bull named Mosquetero charged through narrow streets crowded with spectators, striking the victim after clipping his shoe as he tried to climb safety railings. He was pronounced dead at 8 pm at a nearby medical centre.

Reaction

• Day of mourning: Ubrique’s town hall declared today a day of mourning and cancelled tonight’s fireworks display.
• Official condolences: “Our solidarity goes to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased,” officials said, announcing that public buildings will fly flags at half-mast.
• Local outrage: Resident Isabel Carrasco Romero condemned the festival as “backward” and blame-worthy for prioritizing votes over safety.

Festival Background

• Annual tradition: Toro del Gayumbo releases two bulls-one at midday, another at dusk-through Ubrique’s streets each year.
• 10th edition tragedy: This marks the first fatality since the festival began a decade ago, though a separate goring incident occurred at a Valencian festival in August.

Safety Concerns

• Calls for reform: Critics argue that the event’s layout and lack of protective measures endanger both participants and spectators.
• Animal welfare debate: Activists also decry the practice as cruel, pressing for an end to public bull releases.

The tragedy underscores ongoing tensions between cultural tradition and public safety standards, with many demanding stricter regulations or outright bans on running-of-the-bulls events.