Clusterof individuals hurt in Alcochete's bullfighting events
In early August 2025, Alcochete, a picturesque town in the Setúbal district, was shaken by a series of unfortunate incidents during its annual Festa do Barrete Verde e Salinas. Five individuals sustained injuries during the traditional bull runs that took place across three different locations: the Tejo promenade, José André dos Santos Street, and October 5th Avenue.
The festivities, deeply rooted in Alcochete’s culture and held every August to honour local traditions of bullfighting and salt harvesting, involve bulls entering the town led by campinos (herdsmen) and flanked by steers. The runs on specific streets culminate in festivities including music and food.
During the incidents, bulls separated from their handlers and became aggressive, leading to injuries from both impacts and falls. One particularly harrowing incident occurred near a wall, where a woman was gored and fell from a height of five meters. Another person was injured on José André dos Santos Street, near the headquarters of the Aposento do Barrete Verde de Alcochete.
The specific nature of the injuries sustained by the people involved was not disclosed. No further information is available about the conditions of the injured individuals. It is worth noting that at least one person was injured seriously, with one individual being transported to S. José hospital in Lisbon for treatment.
The bulls were led by cattle handlers and guided by oxen during a procession. The run between the Alcochete Parish Church and the Bullring Square took place on October 5th Avenue. Two other people jumped off the wall to escape the same bull.
Paulo Vieira, a local official, mentioned that there have been other goring incidents during the festival in the past, but none with serious injuries. The specific identity of the individuals injured in the latest incidents is not disclosed.
Despite these incidents, the presence of organized herdsmen controlling the bulls and the immediate response of the firefighter corps suggest some level of crowd and animal management. However, the inherent risks remain, especially when bulls separate from handlers or the crowd is close to walls and elevated areas.
The Festa do Barrete Verde e Salinas will continue until August 13th, with the hope that the remainder of the festivities will proceed without further incident.
The unfortunate incidents during the Festa do Barrete Verde e Salinas in Alcochete showcased the inherent risks associated with bull runs even under management. Despite the existence of experienced herdsmen, the separation of bulls from handlers and proximity to walls or elevated areas can lead to medical-conditions, as evidenced by the injuries sustained. The Role of science in understanding and mitigating these risks within health-and-wellness and sports contexts, including sports-betting perspectives on safety, could potentially contribute to future event safety.
