Government allocates €700,000 for Valencia’s bull-running festivals

The Valencian regional government has approved more than €700,000 in funding for 2026 to support bous al carrer events across the Valencian Community, reinforcing its commitment to one of the region’s oldest and most deeply rooted traditions.

The financial package, announced by the Generalitat, will help municipalities organise and improve the safety of these popular street bull events, which continue to attract thousands of participants and spectators every year, particularly during the summer festival season.

For many towns across the Marina Alta and wider Valencian Community, bous al carrer remains a central part of local fiestas, drawing together generations of residents and visitors. Supporters see the celebrations as an important expression of local identity and cultural heritage, while critics continue to question the use of animals in public festivities.

More support for local councils

According to the Generalitat, a total of €702,000 has been earmarked for grants in 2026, with local councils able to apply for funding to help cover the costs of organising authorised bous al carrer events. The money can be used for infrastructure, safety measures and other expenses linked to staging the festivities.

Regional officials say the funding reflects both the popularity of the events and the financial burden they can place on smaller municipalities.

Many villages rely on these celebrations as the highlight of their annual festival calendar, with events often generating significant economic activity for local businesses, including bars, restaurants and shops.

Tradition remains part of Marina Alta life

Across the Marina Alta, bous al carrer continues to feature prominently in the fiestas of towns including Dénia, Pedreguer, Ondara, Pego, Gata de Gorgos and Els Poblets, among others.

The events vary from municipality to municipality but generally involve bulls or cows being released into enclosed streets or specially prepared arenas where participants voluntarily interact with the animals.

Unlike Spanish bullfighting inside an arena, bous al carrer focuses on the running or movement of the animals through designated areas rather than a formal corrida, although animal welfare organisations have long argued that the events still cause unnecessary stress and should be phased out.

Ongoing political debate

The Generalitat’s continued investment is likely to reignite debate between those who regard bous al carrer as an essential part of Valencian culture and those campaigning for stricter animal welfare protections.

Regional authorities have repeatedly defended the celebrations as a legally regulated tradition with strong public support in many municipalities. Organisers are required to comply with strict rules covering safety barriers, veterinary supervision, emergency planning and animal welfare standards before events can take place.

Supporters argue that the festivals preserve centuries of local heritage and help sustain rural communities, while opponents believe public money should not be used to finance events involving animals.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the latest funding announcement confirms that the Generalitat intends to continue supporting municipalities that choose to include bous al carrer in their 2026 festival programmes, ensuring the tradition remains a prominent feature of celebrations throughout the Valencian Community.