A bullfighting club in Sagunto displayed a poster showing a bull dominating a naked woman. The Generalitat Valenciana and feminist groups have strongly condemned the image. The incident has reignited debate over sexism at local festivals.
The Generalitat Valenciana has publicly denounced the use of a controversial poster during recent bullfighting festivities in Sagunto (Valencia). The image, created by a local peña taurina and titled ‘Un forat es un forat’ (‘A hole is a hole’), depicted a bull sexually dominating a naked woman. Authorities described the poster as degrading and unacceptable, emphasizing that such representations have no place in a society striving for gender equality.
The regional government’s Directorate General for Equality issued a statement expressing total rejection of any depiction that demeans, objectifies, or ridicules women. Officials stressed that, despite progress in gender equality, normalizing or excusing sexist stereotypes undermines these achievements. The administration called for vigilance to prevent similar incidents at public events.
According to Sagunto’s city council, the poster is no longer on display. It was used during the town’s recent peña-organized festivities, which ended on the 29th. The image also appeared on T-shirts and other items distributed at the event. Local authorities clarified that the controversial logo was not part of any ongoing celebration.
The Feminist Coordinator of Camp de Morvedre has sharply criticized the initiative, arguing that humor at the expense of women’s dignity should not be tolerated. The group demanded that the city review event permits, clarify the use of public funds, and take responsibility for what is promoted at municipal festivities. In their statement, the collective highlighted that the image was displayed openly in public spaces without intervention from those in power.
Feminist activists further argued that the issue is not about criminal sexual aggression but about the normalization of degrading imagery under the guise of tradition or humor. They warned that such depictions perpetuate harmful stereotypes and called for a clear stance from local leaders regarding the use of public resources for events that include sexist content.
The group also questioned whether the peña responsible for the poster receives municipal subsidies or other forms of support. They insisted that the dignity of women should not be subject to debate, whether during festivals or at any other time. The statement concluded by urging authorities to recognize and address the persistent problem of sexism in local celebrations.
This incident comes amid broader scrutiny of public events and their impact on social values in Spain. Recent controversies, such as the debate over the demolition of Valencia’s Mestalla stadium and its effect on urban identity, have highlighted the importance of community standards and the role of local institutions. For example, the dismantling of a major bank robbery gang across eight provinces, as reported in a recent operation by the Guardia Civil, also underscores the ongoing attention to public safety and accountability in the region.
In Spain, festivals and local traditions often reflect deep-rooted cultural practices, but they are increasingly subject to public debate over issues of equality and respect. The Sagunto case illustrates the tension between maintaining tradition and upholding modern standards of dignity and inclusion. As scrutiny grows, authorities and civic groups are likely to face continued pressure to ensure that public celebrations align with evolving social values and legal norms.
