Humane bullfighting: bathe the bull in the sea
Humane bullfighting: bathe the bull in the sea

Video: Humane bullfighting: bathe the bull in the sea

Video: Humane bullfighting: bathe the bull in the sea
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Festival Bous a la Mar
Festival Bous a la Mar

Festivals traditionally associated with bullfighting are held annually in Spain. The most popular of these events is the festival of Saint Fermina in Pamplona, which we have written about many times. The holiday remains much less famous Bous a la mar, literally - "Bulls in the sea", although it is no less interesting than the others.

Unlucky bullfighter
Unlucky bullfighter
The bull throws himself into the water
The bull throws himself into the water

For several years now, thrill-seekers have come to the seaside town of Denia in the province of Alicante in early July to tickle their nerves. Bous a la Mar is famous for much more humane traditions - there is no need to injure or kill bulls here, the main goal is to bathe them in the sea. The ceremony begins with a solemn march of bullfighters along the main city boulevard, down to the arena specially equipped in the port.

Arena on the waterfront
Arena on the waterfront
Deadly games
Deadly games

Hundreds of spectators and participants in the action gather on the embankment, where a square arena is being set up, fenced off on three sides by metal rods through which a person can slip. Its fourth side goes out to sea. A bull is released into the arena, and everyone who wants to tease him and call him closer to the water. When an angry bull rushes towards the daredevils, they scatter in all directions, many immediately jump into the water. The main task is to carry him along. The one who tries to make the bull stumble and fall into the water is considered the winner.

The culmination of the Bous a la Mar festival
The culmination of the Bous a la Mar festival
The winner gets it
The winner gets it

The behavior of an angry animal is often unpredictable. Sometimes the bull stubbornly does not want to swim and for a long time pursues its offenders away from the water. Sometimes such cases end tragically - last year the man did not calculate his strength, did not manage to dodge the bull and fell on his horns. Fortunately, there were no deaths.

Final fight
Final fight

If the bull follows the lead of amateur bullfighters and rushes after them, they all fall into the water together. It should be noted that animals are not left to drown in the sea - people watching the process from boats help them to get ashore.

Help the bull out of the water
Help the bull out of the water

Bous a la Mar has been held annually since 1926 as part of the Santisima Sangre, or "holy blood" festival, dedicated to the monk Pedro Esteva, who saved the city from the plague in 1633. The holiday falls on the second week of July, approximately when and Festival of Saint Ferminwhen spend race for survival.

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