Medinaceli-Jubilo de Toro

JUBILO DE TORO:

It is not that often I will prejudge without analysing facts first. I think it’s only human nature and obedience to discriminate what’s acceptable in today’s society. On this subject matter I found it extremely distressing and, crucially made myself question the ritual allowance of the 21^st century. To prolong a medieval torture, I knew from the start, regardless of my journey of experience I was yet to face, that on this occasion nothing could bring me to think of this being positive in any form of light. 

Medinaceli-Central Spain

LOCATION AND HISTORY:

Medinaceli; located in the province of Soria, derives its name from Arabic language and translates as “The city of Salim” (The city of peace.)
Known as the forgotten corner of Spain, its isolation makes for a nice town. Few people live there. (Census records show in 2012, 810 people). Medinaceli is famous for its Roman arch and the controversial Festival they hold in the Town Square.

WHAT TAKES PLACE: JUBILO DE TORO

I introduce Jubilo de Toro; a Festival that annually takes place the second week in November, gaining up to 40,000 spectators. When night-time falls, spectators, drunk and loud, occupy the outer layer of temporary fences. Within the square is freshly laid sand; a makeshift Bullring. There is a Brass Band playing in the background, sending happiness amongst the crowd. On the left-hand-side 30 men, dressed in Blue Uniforms, drag a bull into the centre by a rope wound round its horns-stripped of decorum and respect. The men, ignoring the Bull’s distraught wail, continue force, immobilising him to a wooden post. If that is not bad enough, torches are then placed on top of the bull’s horns, and then doused in pitch; a mixture of turpentine and sulphur, to create the image of flaming horns. Mud, smothered amongst the face and neck “supposedly” stops the fur from burning. The torches are then ignited. The bull is wailing in fear, yet they provoke the bull further enticing the flames to rise higher and fiercer. Once they are “happy” with their “performance”, the bull is cut away from the rope. Five bonfires are lit around the square, apparently to symbolise five Martyrs. The crowd, engrossed, watch on as “men” re-enact a matador, taunting the bull using their coats as oppose to a muleta. The immensity of the flames causes blindness, and strips the bull’s identity. Not being able to see clearly the bull ends up running into the fences. Some individuals attempt to throw fireworks in the direction of the bull's horns in order to keep the flame breathing. Fireworks are set off in many directions, confusing and scaring the bull.  This “entertains” the audience and participants for hours, until eventually the bull dies. It is believed the bull’s carcass gets cut up, allowing the Mayor of Medinaceli to eat the bull’s penis and testicles and eat them raw in an attempt to grant the village fertility for the upcoming year.

This “tradition” is known to date far back as four hundred years. I was quite surprised it was Dictator General Franco who banned it in 1962, due to the consistent protests of the British. The ban was then removed in 1977 and revived in Medincaeli-100 miles from Madrid.

How can a town, popularised by its picturesque architecture, suddenly turn in to a sadistic social act?

Many Spaniards are very defensive, standing by their beliefs that the bull does not suffer.

• The flamed torches burn for hour(s) causing the horns, body and eyes to burn.
• Due to the intense heat, eventually the bull goes blind and, unaware of his surroundings crashes into fences, hurting himself further.
• Random Fireworks are set off, causing tremendous stress

Oh not least forgetting, once the bull is close to its death it then gets cut up and specific parts are distributed amongst the participants...

So, the question still stands

"Do Bulls suffer?"

"-well, yeah!"

 Anyone with half a brain can clearly see the Bull is suffering. How can a bull, that is almost immediately blind due to the flames and will eventually die, not be in any danger of pain? I did not see the bull enter the square willingly; he was dragged by up to 30 men. How can you justify that? After all the Bull was tied up; anyone or anything tied up is technically withdrawn from freedom!

I normally spend 3-4 months writing and researching per article. However, this does not deserve any more of my time. I am 100% against it. 

Here is where you, the reader, come in. This is your chance to voice your opinion on this Subject.

If you are FOR or AGAINST, this site welcomes both. The world surrounds itself with different views!