Meeting held in Calpe to discuss safety of Bull Running

Government Minister Serafin Castellano held a meeting yesterday in Calpe yesterday to discuss changes that are being implemented this year in relation to Bull Running. The minister was keen to stress that the aim is to maintain the balance between retaining the tradition of Bull Running on the Marina Alta, whilst ensuring the safety of its participants. The aim is to avoid reoccurrence of incidents that have been seen in recent years. The meeting was held with mayors & councillors across the region, together with representative of the associations responsible for the organisation of Bull Running.

The plan is to implement various initiatives to improve both the safety of participants and show respect for the animals. The minister explained that the Commission of Traditional Bullfighting Celebrations, has approved a recent proposal to make several modifications to Bull Running. These include the introduction of some changes to the construction of the vertical barriers & portable bullrings.

In recent years, Calpe has been the scene of several serious Bull Running injuries. During the 2009 celebrations, a young Dutch man was severely wounded after being trampled on by a bull, and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Also in the summer of 2008, a 38 year old man was gored by a bull in the face & neck. It was said at the meeting that the main problem in Calpe is that the celebrations are held in August, when there are a large number of tourists in the town, who do not understand the dangers concerned.