The Pinoso Fair and Festival began on Monday, August 1, with the main events continuing indoors in the Santa Catalina neighborhood for the third herd release of the day. A bullfighting showcase kicked off with a challenging start this year. In Yecla, a 47-year-old resident was injured on Saturday when a third heifer from Gregorio de Jesús Livestock charged during the afternoon activities. The incident prompted medical attention and a quick response from local health services.
The injured person was transported to Alicante General University Hospital for treatment. He underwent emergency surgery after the animal’s horn injuries broke the skin and damaged a major artery. He was attacked on one leg, resulting in significant bleeding. Municipal officials reported that other participants managed to restrain the animal and assist the casualty. Following the event, the City Council suspended the current celebrations as a precaution.
The event’s public footprint included a photo caption noting that the heifer made its first public appearance on Saturday during the initial release in Pinoso. The caption accompanying the image described the moment for attendees and local viewers.
On the same Saturday, during the Queens coronation ceremony, the mayor of Lazaro Azorín shared reassurance with the public. He confirmed that the casualty was in stable condition and conveyed optimistic notes about recovery. Since the accident, municipal authorities have stayed in close contact with the hospital and the patient’s family, emphasizing a fast and full recovery as the shared goal.
Organizers have scheduled additional afternoon releases of cows for the remainder of the festival, spanning until August 9. The sessions are planned for 19:00 to 21:00 each day and are expected to proceed without further incidents, following the pattern observed on Saturday. In communicating with participants from several municipalities in Alicante province and beyond, organizers urged careful adherence to safety rules and a respectful demeanor toward both the animals and the crowd. The message highlighted that the event attracts visitors from Valencia, Murcia, Albacete, and neighboring regions, alongside residents who travel to experience the tradition.
This Monday, a third afternoon batch of cows from La Paloma Livestock was anticipated. The event continues to draw bullfighting enthusiasts and curious spectators from Pinoso and surrounding towns, with many plan to attend the late afternoon sessions.
Public safety officials emphasized that the festival’s priority remains the well-being of attendees and animals. Authorities urged spectators to keep a safe distance from the animals, follow staff directions, and report any troubling signs immediately. Officials also reiterated the importance of responsible participation, especially in the crowded moments when animals are released into the arena area. Local police and emergency medical teams remained on-site to respond quickly to any new developments. Community leaders expressed a hopeful tone that the remainder of the festival would proceed with the same spirit of celebration while maintaining strict safety standards.
Event organizers noted that the festival’s schedule for the evenings is designed to balance cultural tradition with modern safety practices. As communities across the region watch this year’s proceedings, there is a shared expectation that the festival will continue to showcase local livestock traditions without compromising public safety. Attendees were reminded that the fair is a gathering of families, neighbors, and visitors who come to experience the town’s heritage, enjoy musical performances, and witness the animal demonstrations that have long been part of the local calendar.
The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with traditional livestock events. It has prompted organizers to review entry procedures, animal handling protocols, and crowd management plans to minimize danger during future releases. Local authorities indicated their ongoing commitment to transparency and public communication as the festival advances toward its final days. The community remains united in supporting emergency responders and healthcare professionals who treated the injured participant and ensured his condition remained stable throughout the critical hours following the event.
While some residents express concern about the potential disruption to a beloved regional tradition, the prevailing sentiment is one of cautious optimism. People hope for a safe continuation of the Pinoso Fair and Festival, with lessons learned from this year’s setback informing even more robust safety measures for the days ahead. In the closing weeks of the celebration, organizers plan to maintain open lines of communication with residents, visitors, and regional partners to ensure a respectful, orderly, and enjoyable experience for all involved.