Spanish city tells stags and hens to cover up as 'obscene acts' banned

03 October 2023 , 14:51

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Stag and hen parties will be barred from wearing underwear in public and committing "obscene acts" (Image: Getty Images)

A Spanish city is trying to ban stag and hen parties and their "obscene acts" from its streets.

José Luis Sanz says Seville "has no interest" in drawing foreign tourists who want to take part in pre-wedding celebrations and plans to roll out a law that would prohibit people from wearing their underwear in public. What he described as "obscene acts" will also be banned.

It comes amid local outrage in the ultra-religious city about the impact of tourism on its heritage-rich centre.

“Anyone can celebrate their bachelor party in Seville. What we don’t view favourably are groups of people dressed as whatever, with brass bands behind them, disturbing the many residents of Seville — especially in areas of the historic centre — who also have the right to enjoy their city,” Sanz said.

The law would also ban people from wearing outfits that would "violate the moral or sexual integrity of another person". Partygoers will also be prohibited from wearing underwear or "sexist" costumes. Acts of "obscene exhibitionism" and "performance of acts that violate sexual freedom" are also out, Sanz continued.

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The conservative politician hasn't yet detailed the penalties that offenders will face, but locals are happy with the new mayor's plan. Speaking with Spain's Antena 3 TV station, one resident said: “People come naked. You can see everything.” ABC, a conservative daily newspaper, said that the props and costumes brandished around - which often include inflatable rubber penises - "sometimes provoke looks of disgust, especially among the older neighbours”.

Other towns have tried to roll out similar plans over the years. In 2014, Mojácar said it wouldn't tolerate stag and hen parties showing off "phallic tiaras" or "unbecoming behaviour with inflatable sex dolls". Popular Brit tourist resort Malaga last year said €750 fines will also be issued to those walking through the street in their underwear, with inflatable dolls, or with plastic penises on their head.

Ryan Fahey