The San Marcos Festival in Beas de Segura turned tragic on April 24 when 33-year-old rancher Santiago Barrero San Román was fatally gored during the traditional running of the bulls. The attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m.; he was taken to a first-aid post but died around 8:00 p.m. while awaiting hospital transfer. Organizers said the festival will continue under regulations but will open the following day with a minute of silence and a trumpet blast. Bull-breeding groups and local residents offered condolences.
33-Year-Old Rancher Fatally Gored During San Marcos Running of the Bulls in Spain
Stock image of bullCredit: Getty
A 33-year-old cattle breeder, Santiago Barrero San Román, was fatally gored by a bull during the San Marcos Festival in Beas de Segura, a town in southern Spain, on Friday, April 24.
Local outlets including El País, ABC and La Razón report the bull charged Román at around 7:00 p.m. local time. He suffered multiple goring wounds to his groin, chest and abdomen. Emergency responders moved him to a nearby first-aid post, but he died at about 8:00 p.m. while teams prepared to transfer him to hospital.
Festival organizers released a translated statement relayed by Beas de Segura Town Hall expressing deep regret over the fatal incident. The statement said that, under current San Marcos Festival regulations, scheduled events would continue but the following day's program will begin with a minute of silence and a trumpet blast as a mark of respect and mourning.
Calle Palomares in Beas de Segura, SpainCredit: Google
"The organizers of the San Marcos Festival deeply regret to announce that a tragic incident occurred during today's festivities, resulting in the death of one participant," the translated statement read. "On behalf of all the residents of San Marcos, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased."
The Association of Fighting Bull Breeders posted on X that it shared in the sorrow and extended condolences to Román's family and friends. Local reports note that Román and his wife Vanesa founded the Toros de San Román brand, and that he was the grandson of noted breeder Antonio San Román.
About the San Marcos Festival
The San Marcos Festival dates back to the 16th century. According to municipal authorities, the event traditionally includes a running of the bulls through the town’s streets accompanied by music and local performances. Authorities and festival organizers are typically involved in safety measures and first-response arrangements during the celebrations.
PEOPLE reported contacting Hermandad de San Marcos, Beas de Segura Town Hall and the Guardia Civil de Beas de Segura for additional comment.
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