The bull run of Fornalutx passes without incident
With the recent decision to ban bull-fighting in Catalonia, emotions have been running high with various protests around Mallorca in an attempt to invoke a similar ban on the island. Animal rights protestors from Anima Naturalis have been in Fornalutx over the past week objecting to the ‘Bull Run’ that happens every September. This tradition marks the start of the Fiesta of Fornalutx which celebrates its patron saint, La Mare de Deu (the mother of God).
The controversial, yet popular 'running of the bull' (Correbous), took place yesterday morning, accompanied by traditional music from flutes and tambourines. The event was overseen by a high police presence in case of any trouble.
The bull was paraded through the streets of Fornalutx, with a rope round its horns and guided by young villagers. The parade has been modified over recent years in a nod to the the animal rights groups. The route through the village has been shortened, and this year, the parade took place on a week day as opposed to the weekend. This results in fewer spectators and less distress to the bull.
As tradition dictates, at the end of the parade the bull is taken to the slaughterhouse in Sóller. The meat is then distributed amongst the villagers of Fornalutx. This festival has been celebrated as far back as the middle of the 19th century. For more information on this years festival, take a look at our Island Report.
