HUAMANTLA, TLAXCALA, Mexico — Two men died and nearly 20 people sustained injuries during the traditional bull-running event at the annual Huamantla Fair in the central Mexican state of Tlaxcala, according to local authorities cited by Telemundo.
Tragic Toll at the Huamantla Fair
The victims were identified as two men, aged 29 and 57, who suffered fatal goring injuries during the festivities. The annual event, known locally as the “Huamantlada,” involves releasing fighting bulls directly into secured public streets, where thrill-seekers and spectators attempt to dodge the animals.
This year’s staging saw 21 bulls unleashed into the temporary arenas set up throughout the town. However, the celebration quickly turned chaotic as massive crowds surged into the street routes, leading to multiple dangerous interactions between participants and the animals. Emergency personnel treated around 20 individuals on-site and at local hospitals for various injuries, including severe gorings and fractures.
Local Government Acknowledges Overcrowding
In a statement following the tragic events, municipal officials acknowledged that the scale of the gathering overwhelmed local security measures. The city council admitted that massive spectator turnout, combined with non-compliance with established safety guidelines by some attendees, ultimately compromised the event’s security checkpoints.
The annual Huamantla Fair is one of Mexico’s most iconic regional festivals, famous for its elaborate sawdust carpets, religious processions, and Spanish-style street bull runs. However, the high incidence of injuries and occasional fatalities during the bull release frequently sparks intense public debate regarding spectator safety protocols, alcohol consumption limits, and animal welfare standards at traditional Mexican celebrations.
Source: Telemundo
