LEIRE SAN PEDRO, 25, REMEMBERED AFTER TRAGIC BULL FESTIVAL INCIDENT IN SPAIN

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

Leire San Pedro died on Wednesday, September 30, several days after she was seriously injured during the traditional toro con soga event in Lodosa, Navarra.

She had been receiving treatment in hospital after suffering a severe head injury when a bull entered an area near the spectators during the festival.

A TRAGEDY DURING A TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL

The incident happened on Sunday, September 27, during one of Lodosa’s traditional bull-running events.

According to reports, the bull moved into the narrow area between temporary wooden barriers and the spectator stands, where several people were gathered.

Leire was among those in the area when the animal reached the spectators and she suffered a serious injury.

She was initially treated at a local health centre before being transferred to the Hospital Universitario de Navarra in Pamplona, where she remained in intensive care.

Despite medical treatment, she later died from her injuries.

SHE WAS MORE THAN A NAME IN THE HEADLINES

Leire was from Bilbao and was studying to become a teacher.

She was also a regular follower of bull-related festivities and belonged to Peña Lodosa por el Toro, a cultural association connected to the town’s traditional bull events.

For those who knew her, she was not simply a spectator at a festival.

She was someone who regularly participated in the community surrounding the tradition and had built strong connections with people in Lodosa.

“WE WILL ALWAYS CARRY YOU IN OUR MEMORIES”

Following her passing, the association paid tribute to Leire with an emotional message remembering her personality and the happiness she brought to those around her.

Her friends described her as someone whose smile, energy and willingness to help made the places she visited feel brighter.

They said she had a special ability to bring joy to the moments they shared together.

The message ended with a promise that she would continue to be remembered whenever they returned to the places and moments where she had been present.

For those who knew her, the loss has left a lasting absence.

 LODOSA DECLARES TWO DAYS OF MOURNING

News of Leire’s death brought mourning to Lodosa.

The town council declared two official days of mourning, with flags on municipal buildings lowered to half-mast.

Local officials described the moment as a sad and difficult day, while expressing condolences, solidarity and support to Leire’s family, friends and loved ones.

Another female spectator was also injured during the incident and was taken to hospital.

WHAT IS THE “TORO CON SOGA”?

The event involved a traditional form of bull running known as toro con soga, in which a bull is released into the streets with a rope attached to its horns.

Handlers use the rope to guide and control the animal as it moves through the town.

The tradition forms part of Lodosa’s annual celebrations and has been recognised as an Event of Tourist Interest in Navarre since 2014. Events are held over several weekends during the festival season.

A COMMUNITY LEFT REMEMBERING A YOUNG WOMAN

Leire’s death has once again highlighted the risks associated with traditional bull-running events in Spain.

Reports indicate that her death is among several fatalities connected to bull-related festivities in Spain during 2026.

But for Leire’s family, friends and the people who knew her in Lodosa, the story is ultimately about a young woman whose future was still ahead of her.

She was training to become a teacher.

She had friends, passions and a community that knew her.

And now, those who loved her are left holding onto the memories of the woman they knew before the tragedy made her name known far beyond Lodosa.

Leire San Pedro was 25. Her community says her smile, energy and generosity will not be forgotten.