"Els Bous a la mar" is one of the most characteristic events of the patron saint festivities of Dénia, it is not a typical Spanish bullfight at all. During the show, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest since 1993, the participants try to avoid the onslaught of the toros by throwing themselves into the sea and, if the toro, while trying to catch them takes a dip, it will be led by a small boat back to  the bull ring. 

Origin

It is a very ancien tradition. In 1749 the historian Roc Chabàs mentioned the "royal bulls", and written references of the XVII are preserved that prove the custom of celebrating bullfights and capeas in the city square. However, everything suggests that they began in the second decade of the S. XX, at which time the fishing pier was being built in the port of Denia.

It is held in bull ring installed at the harbour next to the fishing harbour at 7.00 pm, from the first Saturday of the party to the following Friday.

Tickets can be purchased   at the same bull ring.

Also during that week there is usually a bullfighting show of "recortadores" (bullfighters performing in bullring pirouettes and jumps to avoid the onslaught of the animal.)  Always in the evening.

L'entrada dels Bous

The first Saturday of the festivity, just before Bous a la Mar, takes place the popular Entrada de Bous (bull running). It starts at Glorieta del País Valencià, touring the main Street (Marqués de Campo) down to the area of the port to   the the bull ring.

That afternoon from 5pm, the main Street  de Campo is full of hustle and bustle, music and groups of people celebrating and waiting for the rocket fire that announces the departure of the bulls at 7 pm.