Bous a la Mar (Bulls to the Sea) is a popular bull-running event which takes place in an open plaza by the sea, typically located in the port or beaches of the towns where it is celebrated. Participants use the proximity to water to their advantage, jumping into the sea to avoid the bulls’ charges. They also try to attract the bulls’ attention and make it fall into the sea.
Not surprisingly the Bous a la Mar festival faces major criticism from animal rights activists who hold demonstrations at the event. Calls to ban these events have gotten louder since a bull drowned at the 2023 event in Dénia.
Such events used to take place in various Catalan towns such as Las Casas de Alcanar, Alcanar and La Ampolla. However, following bans in Catalan municipalities, it now only takes place in the Valencian Community, specifically in towns the towns of Dénia, Jávea and Benicarló.
Bous a la Mar (Bulls to the Sea) in Dénia
The Bulls to the Sea event in Dénia has a long history, with references to bullfights or bull-running events in the municipality dating back to the 17th century. However, the current format of the event took shape in the second decade of the 20th century, following the construction of the port’s dock.
At that time, a decision was made to set up a temporary bullring open to the sea, allowing participants to jump into the water to avoid the charging bulls. Due to the growing interest from tourists and locals alike, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce granted the event the honourary title of “Festival of National Interest” in 1993.
The event is held in early July, starting on the second Wednesday after San Pedro and lasting for about a week. It takes place in a semicircular arena in Dénia’s port with open access to the sea. During the event, participants (primarily young men) attempt to provoke bulls into chasing them towards the water’s edge. The objective is to manoeuver in such a way that the bull falls into the sea, while the participant remains on dry land or jump into the water voluntarily.
The Bous a la Mar festival is one of the highlights of Dénia’s Festa Major which is celebrated in honour of the Santísima Sangre. Other events include include a correfoc (fire run) on the eve of Santísima Sangre, the solemn Procesión de la Santísima Sangre through the historic centre, sports competitions, culinary contests and children’s events.
Bous a la Mar Festival in Jávea
Jávea’s main festival take place during the last week of August and the first week of September in the port area of the town and is in honour of Our Lady of Loreto. Rather than set up a temporary bullring and have bullfights as is the case in many village fiestas, Jávea provides quite a divergence from the theme called Bous a la Mar (Bulls to the Sea).
A temporary stand is constructed in the port area with seats looking down on a small man-made “beach” which is no more than 70m long by 20m wide. Along one side of this sandy area is the stand for spectators and at the other side is the sea.
A lorry arrives carrying up to six bulls and unloads them into a secured paddock under the stand. A single firework goes off and the first bemused bull runs out into the open sandy area where local lads run around attracting its attention. Their aim is to bait it to attack them near the waterfront so that it will fall into the sea.
What tends to happen is that the bull, which is not a stupid animal, quickly works out the plan and runs along parallel to the water’s edge showing its horns to the local lads who throw themselves into the sea over and over again. A new bull replaces the existing one after a while and the whole debacle starts again. Occasionally a bull does end up in the water and is rescued immediately by waiting boats.
Many locals who have seen it all before prefer to place themselves at the large temporary bar area which is set up next to the bull run area and spend the week drinking beer and eating freshly cooked sardines. Definitely the more interesting option!
In the Valencia area fireworks and bangers are central to all festivities and Jávea is no different. Often you will hear a cacophony of noise which is from firecrackers strung up in the streets and their bangs echoing off the surrounding houses. As in all “fiestas” in Spain music is very important and many bands and groups play on different nights. The whole festival is finished off by a spectacular firework display at approximately 1 a.m. on the last night in the port area.
Cultural Significance and Controversy
For visitors, the Bous a la Mar festivals offer a unique spectacle that’s quite different from the more famous bull runs of Pamplona. In both Denía and Jávea the events represent one of the highlights of their summer festivities. However, these events face enormous criticism from animal rights activists and an ongoing petition has attracted more than 75,000 signatures demanding that the Valencian Parliament bans the Bous a la Mar Festivals throughout the Comunidad Valenciana.
Whether one chooses to attend or observe from afar, these events undeniably form a significant part of the Costa Blanca’s summer festival calendar, reflecting the region’s blend of rural traditions and coastal lifestyle. Visitors should be aware of the controversial nature of these events and make informed decisions about attendance based on their personal views.
What date in September is the running of the bulls in Javea port this year 2016. Please
The fiesta of “Bous a la mar” runs from 27th August to 8th September in 2016. It isn’t a bullrunning event as such.