Horror was witnessed on the streets of Beas de Segura, in the Jaen Province of northern Andalucia when, during a traditional running of the bulls, one raging bull attacked and killed a 33-year-old cattle breeder during traditional festivities. Santiago Barrero San Román suffered multiple deep wounds to his abdomen, groin and chest in full view of shocked onlookers on April 24.

Deadly chaos in the toros enogados event

The incident took place around 7pm during the “desencajonamiento”, when bulls are released from crates and guided by ropes through the town to the local bull ring. Participants and spectators gathered for the San Marcos fiestas, declared of touristic interest in Andalucia. Video footage, which spread rapidly online, captured Barrero attempting to reach safety behind a barrier as the animal charged repeatedly. Several men tried to distract the bull and pull on its rope, yet the beast continued its assault, tossing and dragging the victim along the ground. Emergency teams rushed him to a temporary medical post, but he died about an hour later despite efforts to save him.

Foreign residents in Spain often encounter these popular bull events without full awareness of the risks. Unlike formal corridas in grand arenas, toros ensogados involve bulls on ropes running through streets, drawing the whole village into close proximity to the action. Unbeknown to many tourists visiting Spain each year, such activities carry genuine danger even for experienced handlers.

Caution for visitors considering bull-related events

Anyone curious about and thinking of attending a “corrida” or street bull festival should recognise the inherent hazards. Bulls weigh over 500kg and act on powerful instincts. Serious gorings like this one happen every season, sometimes with fatal results. Medical support exists at most events, yet proximity to unpredictable animals like this demands caution and respect for boundaries. Newcomers might view these colourful traditions as exciting fun, but participants and bystanders face real physical threats that demand experience and awareness.

Why incidents seem frequent in 2026.

Several high-profile cases have drawn attention early in the season. Just days earlier, star matador Morante de la Puebla suffered a severe goring in Seville’s Maestranza arena during the April Fair. The bull pierced his body and caused a painful internal injury that required emergency surgery. Another retired matador died in a corral accident in Malaga around the same period.

Spain hosts thousands of bull-related events yearly, from formal fights to local street releases. While overall fatalities remain relatively low, clusters of news stories create an impression of increased frequency, but numbers so far in 2026 have been relatively standard. Data from recent years shows no dramatic rise compared to previous seasons, but the sheer volume of festivals across Andalucia and other regions keeps risks present.

Fate of the bull after such attacks

Bulls involved in these incidents face the same outcome as others in Spanish taurine events. Organisers do not spare animals that cause injury or death. In street festivals like toros ensogados, the bull usually returns to its owner or proceeds to slaughter for meat consumption. Formal corridas end with the matador killing the bull by sword in the ring, after which its carcass leaves for butchering.

Very rare pardons occur only for exceptional bravery during a performance, unrelated to any harm inflicted on humans. Fighting bulls receive special breeding for strength and spirit, yet their role in tradition almost always concludes in death.

Current state of bullfighting in Spain

Spain maintains bullfighting as protected cultural heritage, with government support and subsidies helping maintain breeding ranches and events. Attendance at major arenas has declined over decades, yet thousands of popular fiestas continue each year, especially in rural areas where they form part of local identity and economy.

Many Spaniards, particularly older generations, see these events as living links to history, courage and rural life. Younger people show less interest these days, and animal welfare voices are growing louder, but legal protections prevent straightfoward regional bans. For foreigners living in Spain, understanding comes from recognising deep regional pride in tradition rather than viewing events solely through modern lenses.

Organisers in Beas de Segura held a minute’s silence and expressed sorrow for Barrero’s family. He left behind a pregnant wife and a young child, plus friends who remembered his passion for continuing his family’s cattle heritage with links to the respected Torrestrella line. The festival otherwise proceeded.

In a world of ultra-polished talent shows, one European contest is proving that chaos –  and a very convincing squawk – might be far more entertaining.

On Sunday April 26, the quiet Belgian seaside town of De Panne erupted with shrieks, feathers and applause as dozens of competitors gathered for the annual European Seagull Screeching Championship: a delightfully bizarre event that’s rapidly gaining global attention.

The strangest talent show you’ve never heard of

Forget singing or dancing: here, success depends on how accurately you can mimic the piercing cry of a seagull.

More than 70 contestants from 15 countries took part in this year’s championship, transforming a local pub into a stage for one of Europe’s most unusual competitions.

Participants of all ages, from young children to seasoned performers, took turns screeching, flapping and fully embodying the seabird spirit. Many leaned into the theatrics, arriving in elaborate seagull-themed costumes, complete with wings, feathers and dramatic stage presence.

And yes, it’s taken very seriously.

How do you judge a seagull impression?

A panel of judges scores each performance based on two key criteria: how realistic the sound is and how convincing the performance feels.

Contestants can earn up to 15 points for vocal accuracy and an additional five for showmanship… meaning a truly winning performance requires both pitch-perfect screeching and full-bodied commitment.

The result? A mix of hilarity, impressive skill and moments where you genuinely can’t tell if it’s a human… or an actual bird.

Why this competition even exists

While it might look like pure comedy, the championship has a surprisingly wholesome goal.

Organisers created the event to change public perception of seagulls, which are often seen as pests: stealing food, making noise and causing chaos in coastal towns.

Instead, the competition encourages people to appreciate their behaviour, intelligence and unmistakable presence by the sea.

As organiser Claude Willaert explained, the sound of seagulls is deeply tied to memories of holidays and the coast, something the event aims to celebrate rather than criticise.

Costumes, chaos – and serious talent

Despite its quirky premise, the championship has become a fully-fledged annual tradition, now in its sixth edition.

Crowds cheer loudly for each performance, turning every screech into a mini spectacle. Families compete together, seasoned contestants return year after year, and newcomers attempt to outdo viral-worthy performances from previous editions.

And some competitors are genuinely extraordinary, able to replicate multiple types of gull calls with eerie precision.

From niche contest to viral moment

What started as a small local event is now attracting international attention – and it’s easy to see why.

In an era of highly curated content, the raw, absurd joy of watching people fully commit to acting like seagulls feels refreshingly unfiltered. Videos from the event regularly circulate online, racking up views for their sheer unpredictability.

It’s silly. It’s chaotic. And it’s oddly impressive.

But most of all, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best kind of entertainment doesn’t take itself too seriousl,— even if the competitors absolutely do.

The Costa Calida hub of Cartagena recently celebrated its Mercado del Encanto, a public market dedicated to design, crafts, and putting local artisans in the spotlight. Taking place at the Casino on Calle Mayor, the new spring edition of the market was celebrated over the weekend of Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, and saw great success with residents and visitors to Cartagena stopping by to purchase local goods and participate in a fun-filled raffle.

A meeting point for local creatives and excited shoppers

The Mercado del Encanto was a meeting point dedicated specifically to the creatives of the municipality, with a special selection of exhibitors, both local and national, showing off their products. Among the featured items available for purchase at the market were fashion items, accessories, jewelry, and interior decoration items, all original pieces with their own identity.

The winner of the raffle got the opportunity to take home a basket of products from all the exhibitors gathered there.

The market proved itself to be a prime opportunity for visitors to take home something unique and distinctly Murcian. Made by hand with locally sourced products and with special, creative care, the products were a huge success and made the Casino on Calle Mayor the popular spot of the weekend, especially for lovers of fashion, interior decoration, and handmade and unique products.

Giving small creators a much-needed boost

The event was also important for the boosting of local commerce and small creators and artisans, who depend on these types of markets to sell their goods and reach a wider audience. Over time, the Mercado del Encanto has been establishing itself as an essential event in the city’s cultural and commercial calendar, and offers a leisure experience in an emblematic setting, perfect for discovering unique pieces and enjoying a carefully curated atmosphere.

Cartagena officials invite all residents and visitors to be on the lookout for the next edition of the Mercado del Encanto and take part in this emblematic and fun celebration of local talents.