This year the calls will not be made at the Partridge Fair in Montuïri

MontuïriThe latest measures approved by the Balearic Islands Government to curb the spread of avian influenza, recently published in the BOIB (Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands), have forced the cancellation of the traditional partridge calling competition at the Montuïri Partridge Fair. Even so, the City Council has opted to maintain the fair, despite not being able to include the bird that gives the event its name. The event will take place on December 7th, and the City Council is now working to find alternative activities that can feature the partridge but without live birds. The Montuïri Hunting Society, which has organized the competition since its inception, stated that "we have done everything possible to continue holding the competition; we offered to implement all possible preventative measures, but the Ministry of Agriculture has rejected all our proposals and suggestions." Thus, with resignation, they have had to accept that for the first time in 47 editions, and not counting the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no decoys at the Partridge Fair. This limitation directly affects fairs, exhibitions, livestock shows, and all kinds of displays involving birds, according to the published regulations, and therefore prevents the celebration of the partridge exhibition and the competition, central elements of the Montuïri fair. The Montuïri Partridge Calling Competition is one of the oldest and most renowned in Mallorca and throughout Spain. It began in 1979 and over time became an essential meeting point for decoy and hunting enthusiasts. Throughout the decades, the event has been much more than a competition: it has become a space for transmitting knowledge, techniques, and traditions linked to the red-legged partridge and the hunting culture of Mallorca.

It should be remembered that in 2005 the competition was also nearly canceled for the same reason. On that occasion, it was ultimately able to take place with extraordinary measures, but the current context is more restrictive and does not allow it.

The cancellation of the competition is a significant blow to many enthusiasts who have spent months working with the birds to get them ready for the fair and be able to showcase their songs. However, the City Council wants to maintain the fair as an economic and social activity that takes place and generates revenue on that day.

Many residents and organizations have expressed disappointment, despite understanding the need for the measures. The gathering of decoy partridges and breeders is incompatible with current regulations, which prohibit any concentration of birds and reinforce their health control as a preventative measure against the presence of the virus in wild birds.

Despite the suspension, organizers and enthusiasts are confident that the Partridge Calling Competition will be able to resume as normal as soon as health restrictions are lifted. After 46 years, the event remains a highlight of the Plan's traditional calendar and one of the most deeply rooted events in the island's hunting community.

Meanwhile, breeders and owners are reminded that, according to current regulations, all poultry must be registered with REGA and that any suspected illness must be reported to official veterinary services.