What is Farra do Boi?

One of the most savage rituals of cruelty toward animals is Brazil’s Farra do Boi. Farra do boi, loosely translated as “ Festival of the Oxen” or “Ox Fun Days”, involves the torture- killing of several hundred oxen each year in more than thirty communities throughout the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. In other states of Brazil, the spectacle is denounced and has stirred violent protests.

Until recently, Farra do Boi occurred primarily during Easter week and on New Year’s Day in remote coastal villages.Today some communities hold weekly Farras to “celebrate” weddings, birthdays, soccer games and other special occasions. Prominent businessmen, citizens, cattle breeders, restaurateurs, and politicians often donate the oxen.

Before the event, the ox is confined and starved for several days. To increase the ox frenzy, food and water are placed within sight, but out of reach.The Farra begins when the ox is driven from its pen and chased through the streets by crowds of villagers with sticks, knives, whips, stones, bamboo lances, and ropes.The attackers – men, women, and children – pursue the ox as it attempts to flee, even into the ocean.

After Days of Torture, the Relief of Death

WSPA sources in Brazil have seen cattle tormented in every conceivable way. The helpless animals are doused with gasoline and set on fire. Pepper is thrown into their eyes, which are often then gouged out. Participants break the animal’s horns and legs and cut off their tales. Oxen may be stabbed or hit as many times as possible as long as the blows are not fatal, for the cattle must survive until the end. This torture may continue for THREE DAYS OR LONGER. Finally the animal is killed and the meat is divided among the participants to eat.

Some say the ritual is a symbolic re-ennanctment of the Passion of Jesus, with the ox representing Judas. Other believe the animal represents Satan, and torturing the Devil washes away their sins. But nowadays the festival hasn't religious conotation. For the people from the little coastal villages, Farra do Boi became just an opportunity to party and for some, a source of extra money by selling drinks and food for the participants.