(Axel Alvarez/Shutterstock.com)

Running Of The Bulls Cancelled In Face Of COVID-19

Spain’s most publicized bull run — the San Fermín festival, often simply referred to as “Running of the Bulls” — has been cancelled this year in the face of the outbreak of COVID-19.

The annual event features a bull release, where tourists and locals flea a temporarily released stampede, and matador demonstrations, in which animals are tortured to death before a live audience.

An official statement was shared on the the city’s website this week, news met with celebration by animal protection organization PETA.

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Many major events have been cancelled as a result of COVID-19 (Zigres/Shutterstock.com)

Bull Run Contention Before COVID-19

The San Fermín festival has long been a point of contention within and outside of the animal welfare sphere.

In fact, certain areas of Spain — the northeastern region of Catalonia, in particular — have a record of longstanding opposition to bull running and fighting events.

The major metropolis of Barcelona banned the practice officially in 2012, and converted one major bullfighting ring to a shopping complex.