Annual Mexican Bull Festival Sees Numerous Injuries Despite Safety Measures

Throngs of Participants Injured in Mexico's Notorious Bull Festival

In the latest edition of Mexico's infamous bull festival, where injuries are an annual occurrence, individuals were once again gored by bull horns or trampled by the animals. The festival, named after the local region, took place on the 19th of this month in Uamantla, Tlaxcala, located 160 km away from Mexico City.

The most popular event among residents and visitors was the 'bull running.' This event involved releasing 22 bulls onto a stretch of road flanked by safety barriers and stands for spectators. Participants attempted to dodge the charging bulls, receiving applause from the crowd if successful, but injuries were sustained by 20 individuals on this occasion.

Two men, aged 31 and 28, were seriously injured by goring and were transferred to a nearby hospital. A video circulating on social media depicted a man being repeatedly struck by an injured bull as he lay on the road.

The Tlaxcala state government issued a statement the previous day, confirming that all injured individuals were in serious condition and receiving medical treatment.

Local police reported that some festival attendees were under the influence of alcohol. Despite safety concerns raised, certain local media outlets faced criticism for sensational headlines such as 'Uamantla emerges as the bold festival mecca of the Americas.' 

One of the most renowned bull-related festivals is the 'San Fermin' festival in the northern Spanish town of Pamplona. Thousands of participants gather to run through narrow streets alongside bulls to a nearby bullring, covering a distance of around 800 meters.

In the previous year's event, 18 individuals were injured and required medical attention. Although some suffered injuries from trampling or broken limbs, no participants were gored.

Being gored by bull horns is considered the most dangerous situation that can arise during such festivals. In the year 2019, the last year before the global spread of COVID-19, the San Fermin festival witnessed at least 39 injuries, with 8 individuals gored.

Since 1910, there have been 16 fatalities among participants in the San Fermin festival's bull-related events. The most recent fatality occurred in 2009. Bulls used in the event are subsequently slaughtered in afternoon bullfighting matches.

Animal rights organizations like PETA have protested against bullfighting, alleging mistreatment of the animals. They claim that young bulls endure stress during transport to Pamplona and are subjected to taunting by tourists as they navigate narrow city streets. PETA has called for action to prevent further animal fatalities and cruelty in such events.