The «Garraiada» of the Reception for Caloiro of the Academic Association of the University of Algarve, which was due to take place this Wednesday, was shrouded in controversy, but never even reached the request for licensing.
Both the AAUAlg, as the president of the autarchy, confirm that everything was just an intention, never formalized, despite being included in the event's program. Students also stressed that the initiative had nothing to do with a bullfight, not involving bloodshed.
According to the Academic Association, "the necessary steps were taken to create legal conditions for the aforementioned event, with special attention to the care in selecting the company that would transport the cows and with the respective licensing issues."
"However, as all conditions are not met, AAUALG has not even filed any formal request with the Municipality for the licensing of the event," he added.
The mayor of Faro Macário Correia confirmed to the Sul Informação that there was never a license request. “When I realized that this was scheduled, I spoke with them [AAUAlg leaders], who thought it best not to go forward, given the controversy surrounding the issue,” he said.
Praising the position of the president of AAUAlg Pedro Barros, who considered himself to be "a very open person interested in bringing students closer to the city", Macário Correia said, even so, that "if the request had been made, he would not authorize it, for being a controversial subject».
As for the fact of having authorized bullfighting shows as mayor of Tavira, Macário Correia assured that they were “minimal”. “There were many that I advised against doing. I approved some of a playful character, but very few of blood», he referred. "I had, moreover, an agreement with the association to reduce them," he revealed.
AAUAlg, for its part, stressed that this is a playful spectacle, "which promotes the spirit of union and mutual help between freshmen and their academics, not containing any blood "crime" against the animals eventually used, as the “Garraiada” is not a bullfight».
"Thus, AAUALG repudiates the declarations of the Animal Defense associations, as they have never before had the courage to contact the Academic Association or its leaders directly, making value judgments on people and institutions without any kind of foundation." finished off.
Defenders and detractors of bullfights have also spoken out
The news that came to light yesterday about a decision by the president of the Chamber of Faro prohibiting the holding of a Garraiada in the county were well received by the anti-bullfight associations. But the reaction of those who support this tradition did not wait, with the Prótoiro association accusing the mayor of seeking protagonism, at a time when he risks losing his mandate.
According to the newspaper “i”, which cites a statement sent to it by the pro-bullfighting association, the latter accuses Macário Correia of “overriding the freedom” of the citizens, who “will no longer represent”. "Prótoiro vehemently repudiates this attack on the freedom of citizens, in this case students, to be able to enjoy a popular bullfighting cultural manifestation, so deeply rooted in our student communities," said the association.
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