FOR FESTIVALS IN GETXO
FREE FROM ANIMAL ABUSE
Help us to maintain our traditions by creating ethical and animal–friendly celebrations.
WHAT IS
SOKAMUTURRA?
Sokamuturra is a traditional festive activity that consists of releasing a heifer or young bull in an enclosed area or on streets that have been cordoned off and holding it with a rope to limit its movement. Participants interact with the animal in different ways, often resulting in stress and suffering for the animal.
This activity has been the subject of controversy due to animal welfare concerns and the need to look for more ethical alternatives.
- In Getxo, Sokamuturra takes place during the festivities in the Old Port of Algorta in August.
This year we can end the sokamuturra in Getxo.
Become a member of Sokamuturra Ez
Being a member isn’t just about supporting a cause; it’s about joining a network of people who share values, work together, and make decisions together. With your voice and your energy, we can achieve a Getxo free of sokamuturra.
Technical documentation
Scientific reports and evidence
Recopilación de informes veterinarios, estudios científicos y documentos legales que respaldan la eliminación de la Sokamuturra.
- TUBERCULOSIS BOVINA EN EUSKADI 2024–2025
INFORME SANITARIO Y EPIDEMIOLÓGICO
Brotes activos en Deba, Mutriku y Bergara afectan a las ganaderías proveedoras de vaquillas para festejos. El informe documenta el riesgo epidemiológico de estos desplazamientos y el peligro de contagio a personas en espectáculos sin bioseguridad.
- PROPOSICIÓN DE LEY DE FESTEJOS TAURINOS EN EUSKADI
INFORME JURÍDICO
Legal analysis prepared by the HAIEKIN association that documents the contradictions of the proposed law with Basque animal protection regulations, children’s legislation and international mandates on children’s rights.
- EFECTOS DE LAS BECERRADAS EN MENORES
INFORME TÉCNICO
Report by Dr. Nuria Querol Viñas based on 204 scientific studies that documents the psychological effects of witnessing animal abuse in childhood: desensitization, erosion of empathy and risk of subsequent violent behavior.
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BULLFIGHTING AND EDUCATION
Expert report
Report by Dr. Nuria Querol Viñas based on 204 scientific studies that documents the psychological effects of witnessing animal abuse in childhood: desensitization, erosion of empathy and risk of subsequent violent behavior.
Sokamuturra uses animals as objects of entertainment, exposing them to situations of extreme stress.
HELP THE ANIMALS
HOW CAN YOU JOIN US?
Support our cause by signing the petition to replace Sokamuturra with festive activities free from animal abuse.
Neighbouring towns, such as Santurtzi, Barakaldo, Portugalete, Zierbena and Galdakao have been eliminating festive activities with animals.
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY
Share your experience with Sokamuturra, either as an attendee or from a critical perspective.
WRITE TO THE TOWN COUNCIL
Your voice counts! Send a suggestion to Getxo Town Council expressing your wish to replace Sokamuturra.
SHARE YOUR CREATIVE IDEA
Do you have a fun and animal-friendly activity? Send us your proposal.
HELP THE ANIMALS
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A COLLABORATOR?
Join us if you are a business or company that wishes to collaborate in the collection of signatures. Write to us and we will send you the signature form and add you to the list of collaborating companies.
PRESS APPEARANCES
Support our cause by signing the petition to replace Sokamuturra with festive activities free from animal abuse.
RADIO NERVIÓN | 14 August 2026
Sokamuturra Ez gathered once again at the Old Port of Algorta to demand an end to the heifer-running events during Getxo’s festivities. Spokesperson Nerea Landa called on the City Council and the local social groups (*cuadrillas*) to commit to a shift toward more ethical celebrations, featuring alternatives such as sporting events or greasy pole contests.
DEIA | 14 August 2026
On Friday, the Sokamuturra Ez association brought together residents and groups at the Old Port of Algorta under the slogan “Festivities are better without suffering.” The group is calling on the City Council to replace the *sokamuturra* with animal-free alternatives during Getxo’s festivities.
ORAIN.EUS | 14 August 2026
The association Sokamuturra Ez called on Getxo residents to boycott the sokamuturra and not bring minors, arguing that the heifers suffer from transport, isolation, and harassment for hours. The group regrets that its attempts to negotiate alternatives with the festival committee have been unsuccessful.
Gallery of images and videos documenting Sokamuturra and our actions as a platform.
