A motion by far-right party VOX to ban La Fiesta del Cordero (Feast of the Lamb) in Orihuela was unanimously rejected during a tense city council plenary session. The proposal, introduced by VOX councillor Gonzalo Montoya, sought to prohibit the religious celebration, one of the holiest festivals in Islam—on alleged health and regulatory grounds.
La Fiesta del Cordero, also known as Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Traditionally, families slaughter a lamb or goat and share the meat with relatives and the needy. In Orihuela and across Spain, Muslim families are required to use authorized slaughterhouses to carry out the sacrifice in a legally compliant and humane way.
However, Montoya claimed that in some cases, sacrifices are performed in private homes or even public spaces, allegedly breaching European veterinary regulations. This assertion was swiftly challenged by other parties, although The Leader has found evidence of isolated incidents in other regions, such as Almoradí and Elche, where unauthorized animal sacrifices occurred,
“Where have you seen this done in public spaces?” asked Quique Montero of Cambiemos Orihuela, who emphasized that if any health rules are broken, targeted enforcement is appropriate, regardless of religion.
The Partido Popular also rejected the motion, with spokesperson Víctor Valverde explaining that current legislation already regulates such practices: “If violations occur, action should be taken, whether it involves Muslims, Jews, Russians, or Spaniards.”
Socialist councillor María García called out the discriminatory intent behind the motion, highlighting Spain’s embrace of many foreign traditions: “What next? Will we ban Halloween, Santa Claus, or St. Patrick’s Day in Orihuela Costa?”
Ciudadanos spokesperson José Aix echoed the sentiment, pointing out VOX’s pattern of intolerance, referring to past clashes involving the LGBTI community.
All major parties, PP, PSOE, Cambiemos Orihuela, and Ciudadanos, voted against the motion. The debate, marked by sharp exchanges and repeated calls for order by Mayor Pepe Vegara, concluded with a clear message: Orihuela rejects intolerance and stands for coexistence.
