Spanish village hosts first bull running fiesta since pandemic

A reveller wearing a protective mask calls a steer during the first running-of-the-bull festival since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic began in Villaseca de la Sagra, central Spain, September 5, 2021. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

VILLASECA DE LA SAGRA, SPAIN (Reuters) - Ten bulls charged through the streets of Villaseca de la Sagra on Sunday in pursuit of hundreds of runners as the first bull running fiesta was held in Spain since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Villages and towns across Spain hold the fiestas but they were prohibited last year as the country brought in tough health restrictions. Opposition to them has increased in recent years as Spanish society remains divided over the controversial issue of using bulls for sport.