Europe

Animal rights groups oppose Spanish festival

Riders celebrate centuries-old tradition of Las Luminarias by jumping horses through walls of fire.
Last Modified: 17 Jan 2013 09:50

Since the Middle Ages, Spaniards have been celebrating the festival of Las Luminarias on the eve of St Anthony’s Day. 

The tradition is believed to be a way to cleanse the village and bring prosperity in the year ahead.

Villagers in San Bartolome de Pinares see the act as heroic, while for the riders, jumping through the flames is a way to safeguard their trusty steeds. 

But the festival is not popular with animal rights groups. 

Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi reports.

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Source:
Al Jazeera
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