“YOUR SMILE, YOUR ENERGY” — LEIRE SAN PEDRO REMEMBERED AFTER TRAGIC BULL FESTIVAL INCIDENT IN SPAIN

A 25-year-old woman from Bilbao has been remembered for her smile, energy and kindness after a tragic incident at a traditional bull festival in northern Spain.

Leire San Pedro suffered critical injuries during the toro con soga festival in Lodosa, Navarra, on September 27.

After spending five days in intensive care, Leire died at the Hospital Universitario de Navarra on October 2, according to local reports.

Her death has left the town of Lodosa and the people who knew her mourning a young woman who had a deep connection with the community and its traditions.

A TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL ENDS IN TRAGEDY

The incident happened during Lodosa’s traditional bull-on-a-rope event.

The festival, known locally as toro con soga, involves a bull moving through the streets while handlers use a rope attached to its horns to control its movements.

According to local reporting, the bull named Liberulo unexpectedly moved through an area beside temporary spectator stands on September 27.

Leire was among the spectators in the area when the animal reached the section where she was standing.

She suffered a severe head injury and was initially treated at a local health centre before being transferred by ambulance to the Hospital Universitario de Navarra in Pamplona.

Another woman was also injured during the incident.

FIVE DAYS IN INTENSIVE CARE

Leire remained in intensive care while doctors treated her serious injuries.

Local reports said she suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and was later described as being in a state of brain death.

After five days in hospital, she died on October 2.

News of her passing was met with an immediate response from Lodosa officials and the local groups with which she was connected.

LEIRE HAD A SPECIAL CONNECTION TO LODOSA

Although Leire was from Bilbao, she had developed a strong connection with Lodosa through her passion for traditional bull festivals.

She was a member of Peña Lodosa por el Toro, a local association closely connected to the toro con soga tradition.

She was also linked to the Club Taurino de Laguardia in Álava.

Local reports described her as someone who had become deeply involved in the community because of her enthusiasm for the tradition.

She had also studied to become a teacher in Bilbao.

For the people who knew her, Leire was much more than a spectator at a festival.

She was a young woman with plans for her future and a strong connection to the people and traditions around her.

“YOUR SMILE, YOUR ENERGY”

One of the most emotional tributes came from the people who shared those experiences with her.

Her community remembered her for her smile, her energy and her willingness to help.

A tribute described how she had the ability to bring happiness into the moments she shared with others.

The message also said that she would remain part of their history and memories.

Those words have now taken on an especially painful meaning for the people who knew her.

LODOSA DECLARES TWO DAYS OF MOURNING

Following Leire’s death, the Lodosa Town Council expressed its deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.

Officials described the town as experiencing a “sad and difficult day” and said the death had caused immense pain in the community.

The council also announced two days of official mourning, with flags lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect.

Residents were urged to stand beside Leire’s loved ones during the difficult period.

A minute of silence was also planned in her memory.

A COMMUNITY MOURNS

Leire’s death has affected not only her family but also the wider community surrounding the festival.

For those in Peña Lodosa por el Toro, she was a familiar face and an enthusiastic participant in the traditions she loved.

Her connection to Lodosa meant that many residents had come to know her despite her being from Bilbao.

Now, the same community has been left remembering her life rather than the tragedy that ended it.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The incident has also renewed attention on the risks associated with traditional bull-running events in Spain.

The toro con soga tradition is an established part of Lodosa’s cultural celebrations and has been held for generations.

The event takes place during the town’s annual festivities, with the bull moving through designated streets under the control of handlers.

But the incident involving Leire demonstrates how quickly conditions can change when a large animal moves unexpectedly through an area occupied by spectators.

Her death is being reported as one of several fatal incidents connected to bull-related festivals in Spain during 2026.

REMEMBERING LEIRE

Behind the heartbreaking headlines was a 25-year-old woman who was studying to become a teacher, loved the bull festivals she had become involved with and had built meaningful relationships within the Lodosa community.

Those who knew her say she brought energy, warmth and happiness wherever she went.

Now, her family and friends are left with memories of the young woman they knew — while the community of Lodosa mourns someone who had become part of its own story.

The town has lowered its flags.

Her friends have shared their memories.

And those who knew Leire are now promising that she will not be forgotten.

“Your smile, your energy” — those are among the qualities her community says it will remember most.