Sexual assault weighs on Spain's famed bull run festival

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Spain’s famous bull-running festival in Pamplona kicked off on Friday, but with recent sexual assault cases threatening to overshadow the popular event, in which people run down narrow streets chased by bulls.

One of Spain's most beloved traditions, dating back more than 700 years, the week-long alcohol-fueled festival attracts tens of thousands of people every year during the month of July.

But a gang rape during the 2016 edition prompted calls on social media for a boycott this year, while city authorities looked for new ways – including a mobile phone app for women – to ensure a safe event.

People sit near an information and helpline booth on sexual violence two days before the start of the annual San Fermin bull-running festival in Pamplona, Spain, July 4, 2018. /VCG Photo

Thousands of Spaniards took to the streets in April after five men, who called themselves "The Wolf Pack," were cleared of raping an 18-year-old woman during the 2016 festival and were instead convicted of the lesser crime of sexual abuse.

The men, who had filmed themselves having sex with their 18-year-old victim, were freed on bail last month pending appeal, prompting new widespread condemnation.

This was not the first incident of this kind at the festival. In 2013, photos emerged of female festival-goers being groped by men.

To try to stamp out such problems this year, city officials have launched a mobile phone app for women to use if they believe they are in danger.

The user just needs to press a button on the app to share their location with the police and launch an emergency call.

A 24/7 hotline is also available for people to report sexual assaults and information booths have been set up.

Participants celebrate during the "Chupinazo" (start rocket) to mark the kickoff of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, July 6, 2018. /VCG Photo

Municipal employees and campaigners have been handing out red badges shaped like hands that say "Stop," to raise awareness of sexual violence.

"We shall let nothing pass (in terms of unacceptable behavior)," Merche Labari, a 56-year-old housewife, told AFP news agency. "It is for us, Pamplona, to say 'no, enough is enough,' through propaganda, fines, whatever it takes."

Rather than boycotting the bull run, some women plan to show their anger by wearing black instead of the traditional white.

"Now more than ever we women have to fill the streets, fill the fiestas and fill the night, because you will have that assurance that there are women in the street with you," said former city councilor for equality Laura Berro.

Women covering their faces with black scarves demonstrate in Pamplona before the start of the San Fermin Festival, July 4, 2018. /VCG Photo

Some deplore that the assaults have tarnished the city's reputation and taken the gloss off an event that is supposed to be about having fun.

Feminist collectives meanwhile have tried to avoid overly focusing on the 2016 case.

"Zooming in on a sole case renders invisible other assaults," they said in a pre-festival statement.

(With input from the wires)