Update, December 15, 2016: The Spanish Constitutional Court unanimously confirmed the prohibition of the public killing of El Toro de la Vega (and all bulls used fiestas apart bullfights). The Court rejected the City Council’s challenge of the ban on the basis that the Region had allegedly exceeded its powers and overstepped the City Council’s competences.

Hundreds of fiestas involving the use of bulls take place across Spain every year.

The bulls used in fiestas are frequently supplied by the same farmers who breed these animals for bullfighting, providing more income for supporters of the bullfighting industry.

Toro de la Vega

The Toro de la Vega fiesta takes place in Tordesillas, in the Castilla y León region of Spain, each September.

During the event, spear-wielding men on horseback chase a bull out of the town and into the surrounding countryside.  Pursued and stuck with spears until he is cornered, the bull is then stabbed to death.

In May 2011, local politicians voted to classify this event, along with bullfighting, as cultural heritage.

HSI is working with PACMA in Spain and CAS International to bring an end to cruel bull fiestas.