Else Beekman
The Spanish Animalist Party (PACMA) has taken its fight against the Toro Jubilo festival in Medinaceli to Spain’s Supreme Court. This follows a decision by the High Court of Justice of Castilla y León (TSJCyL), which overturned a previous ruling that had declared the festival illegal, focusing on legal procedures rather than the heart of the matter.
The Toro Jubilo, or “bull of fire,” is a centuries-old tradition held every November in Medinaceli, a town in Castilla y León. During the event, a bull has metal frames attached to its horns, holding tar soaked balls (pitch, sulphur, turpentine). Once lit, flames shoot into the air as the bull moves around the town’s main square. Historically, the ritual was believed to purify the town, protect crops, and drive away evil spirits.
Why the Animalist Party opposes the Toro Jubilo
While many locals view the Toro Jubilo as an important part of their cultural heritage, animal welfare groups like PACMA strongly object. They argue that forcing a bull to endure fire, fear, and stress causes serious physical and emotional suffering. PACMA describes the event as outdated and cruel, calling for a permanent ban under Spain’s animal welfare laws.
Why the case reached the Supreme Court
PACMA believes the TSJCyL was wrong to say that Medinaceli’s decision to approve the 2023 festival was a minor administrative act that couldn’t be challenged in court. Cristina García, PACMA’s vice-president and legal expert, argues that these types of decisions have a direct impact on animal welfare and should be subject to legal review. She warns that, if left unchecked, local authorities might bypass legal controls when authorising similar events.
PACMA hopes the Supreme Court will clarify whether councils can approve such events without proper legal oversight.
The long legal battle
The conflict began in November 2023, when PACMA filed a lawsuit in Soria against both the Medinaceli council and the regional government of Castilla y León. They contested the approval of that year’s Toro Jubilo. In September 2024, the Soria court ruled in PACMA’s favour, stating that the festival caused the bull clear suffering, stress, and harm, violating both Spanish and EU animal welfare laws.
Issues with local rules
The court also found that Medinaceli’s local regulations for organising the event were not legally valid. These rules, introduced in 1999 and amended in 2000 and 2015, did not follow the correct legal procedures. In particular, the 2015 changes were made without complying with regional bullfighting regulations. Because of this, the festival lost its special status as a “traditional bullfighting event,” which had previously offered it legal protection.
Appeals and emergency measures
Despite this ruling, both the Medinaceli council and the regional government appealed. In February 2025, the TSJCyL overturned the Soria court’s decision, arguing that since the legal battle wasn’t over, the festival could still take place. The 2024 authorities scheduled the event for 16 November, but PACMA requested urgent court measures to halt it, and the event was eventually cancelled.
Local authorities defend the tradition
Medinaceli’s mayor, Gregorio Miguel Santander, has firmly defended the event. He stated: “Medinaceli has always defended and will continue to defend its traditions above all else.” He added that local residents feel “outraged and defenceless,” accusing PACMA of trying to “rob them of their culture.”
The mayor also highlighted the economic impact of the festival, saying: “This festival is vital for the local economy and we will not shut it down.”
The regional government of Castilla y León likewise defended its decision to authorise the event. The town’s request “met all the requirements needed to process the permit”, they argued.
Ongoing legal proceedings
Another case is still under review. The TSJCyL in Burgos is examining the Medinaceli council’s challenge against the emergency decision that blocked the 2024 festival.