There will be no change of venue for bullfights in Benissa

TRADITION comes first every time with bull-running. Despite increasing rejection of bullfights, bull-running is as popular as ever in the Marina Alta, where a fiesta without bous al carrer isn’t worthy of the name.

Benissa recently held a mini-referendum, not on whether bous al carrer should or should not be celebrated, but where the spectacle should be held during the town fiestas next April.  

Residents were asked if they wanted the spectacle moved to the car park beside the Manuel Bru school where there would be more room for bigger and better events. Or should they remain in Plaza Jaume I as usual? 

The results are now in with 668 people voting for the bous to remain in the Plaza, compared with 367 who were in favour of a move to another location. 

With new parties now in charge at many Valencian Community town halls, there has been a move away from bullfights, bull-running and spectacles that include animals.   

That is not going to happen in the foreseeable future in Benissa or other Marina Alta towns, with both Denia and Javea town halls also emphasising that the bous are safe.