Spain celebrates the annual Las Luminarias festival with horses leaping through flames.
Imagine watching hundreds of horses leaping through flames. That’s exactly what happened in the Spanish village, San Bartolome de Pinares, during an annual festival.
A few thousand people gathered in the village northwest of Madrid for what is commonly known as the annual Las Luminarias festival.
The streets were lit up by numerous bonfires as riders took turns riding their horses through the flames. The objective of the ritual is to purify and protect each horse involved. Residents seem to appreciate the spectacle.
This festival takes place yearly on the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, who is Spain's patron saint of animals.
The event has been criticized by animal rights groups over the past years, but organizers say they take precautionary measures, like braiding horses' manes and covering their tails to protect them from being burnt.
More than a hundred horses and their riders participated in this year's event.
Spain has refused to endorse a proposed NATO target requiring member states to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, risking friction ahead of next week’s alliance summit in The Hague.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has urged the European Union to impose an arms embargo on Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza and called for renewed talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
Thousands gathered in Barcelona and other Spanish cities to protest against the impact of mass tourism, accusing it of driving up housing costs and displacing residents.
More than 40 suspects have been arrested in a massive international police operation targeting a drug gang accused of smuggling cocaine into Europe using high-speed “narco-boats.”
Despite government efforts to curb short-term tourist rentals amid a housing crisis, Spain has seen a 25% surge in such accommodations over the past two years, outpacing hotel growth and fueling public backlash over rising living costs.
Scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences have identified a genetic 'dimmer switch' that controls how genes turn on and off during embryo formation, offering insights for future therapies.
Over a third of Tuvalu's population has applied for Australia's climate visa, as rising sea levels threaten to submerge the Pacific nation within decades.
British junior trade minister Douglas Alexander is visiting Taiwan for trade talks, a move that could strain relations with China despite efforts to improve ties.
A Ukrainian pilot was killed and his F-16 fighter jet lost while defending against a major Russian missile and drone attack overnight, Ukraine's military said on Sunday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 29th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
Saudi Arabia’s defence minister held rare talks with Iran’s military chief amid concerns over the fragility of the Israel-Iran ceasefire.
British junior trade minister Douglas Alexander is visiting Taiwan for trade talks, a move that could strain relations with China despite efforts to improve ties.
A Ukrainian pilot was killed and his F-16 fighter jet lost while defending against a major Russian missile and drone attack overnight, Ukraine's military said on Sunday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 29th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A data transmission failure at Milan's Area Control Center has suspended over 300 flights across northwest Italy since Saturday evening.
Scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences have identified a genetic 'dimmer switch' that controls how genes turn on and off during embryo formation, offering insights for future therapies.
Over a third of Tuvalu's population has applied for Australia's climate visa, as rising sea levels threaten to submerge the Pacific nation within decades.
British junior trade minister Douglas Alexander is visiting Taiwan for trade talks, a move that could strain relations with China despite efforts to improve ties.
A Ukrainian pilot was killed and his F-16 fighter jet lost while defending against a major Russian missile and drone attack overnight, Ukraine's military said on Sunday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 29th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment