Horses Forced to Gallop Through Fire in Spain’s Luminarias Festival
Every January in the Spanish village of San Bartolomé de Pinares, crowds gather to watch humans force horses to gallop through walls of fire. As panicked horses attempt to jump over or dodge the flames, smoke fills their lungs, flying embers painfully scorch their coats and skin, and the intense heat stings their eyes.The annual event, known as the Luminarias Festival, makes horses suffer extreme stress and face a serious risk of injuries—all for the sake of spectacle.
During the Luminarias festival, massive bonfires are set ablaze along the streets, creating menacing flames that riders force horses to run through. The centuries-old event is held in honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot and was originally believed to “purify” the animals and “protect their health”—but it does just the opposite. Smoke inhalation can leave horses with long-term respiratory problems, and as natural prey animals who are easily spooked, the fear they experience during the event can cause lasting trauma and anxiety long after the flames die down.
Light the Streets With Compassion
Horses are gentle, social herd animals who rely on each other for care and companionship. Naturally alert and cautious, they instinctively avoid danger and protect their fellow herd members. These animals would never choose to participate in events like the Luminarias Festival. Using horses in these events also sends the wrong message to children, teaching them that animals are props to use for human entertainment, rather than the sensitive, feeling individuals they are.
Events should feature community gatherings around safely controlled fire pits, with music, storytelling, and other cultural activities without animals present. Willing human participants can also safely take part in activities like walking over hot coals, fire juggling, or lantern walks, keeping the focus on fun and tradition while leaving horses and other animals in peace.
Take Action for Horses!
Horses don’t just suffer in San Bartolomé de Pinares. From the pyramids at Giza, where handlers force them to haul tourists under the blazing sun, to the streets of New York City, where carriage operators make them pound the pavement all day long, horses are paying the price for industries that treat them as commodities. YOU can help them by taking action below:
