The Running of the Bulls

Although some might disagree with its concept, the "Running of the Bulls" has long been one of Spain's most popular traditions. Each year thousands of locals and visitors arrive in the town of Pamplona for the festival of Sanfermines of which the bull runs are part of. The dangerous bull runs take place every morning from July 7th to 14th with each run lasting around three minutes and spanning an area that is around half a mile long.

Where does the tradition originate from? The original Sanfermines festivals took place in the month of October as early as the 1200s through the late 1500s. It was also during this time in the 1500s that the region began to recognize not only the festivals that paid homage to the area's patron saint, San Fermin who lived in the fourth century, but also to the increasing popularity of bull fighting. Once bull fighting was added to the festivities along with music and other forms of celebration, the date of July 7th was chosen as a more appropriate date to begin the festivals. This also reduced the festival's weather concerns.

In the 1590s the Sanfermines festival was held in July over the course of two days. Since then, the festival has grown by leaps and bounds. At first extended to three days, the addition of entertainment, including dancing, fireworks, processions and the Comparsa de Gigantes have caused the festivities to be extended throughout an entire week in July.

However, the "Running of the Bulls" has remained the Sanfermines festival's most popular attraction. At 8 a.m. each morning a shot is fired to signal that the gates of the Santo Domingo corral are open. A second shot indicates that all the bulls have left the corral. The bulls and people making the run, follow a maze of winding and angled streets which sometimes proves treacherous. If all goes well, the bulls end up in the bull pen. The situation, however, can prove dangerous if a bull becomes separated from the others and has to be corralled back to the pen. Once all bulls are in the pen, a third shot is fired. This is followed by a fourth shot indicating the end of the race.

What should a person do if he or she is considering taking part in a run? The "Running of the Bulls" is a dangerous and difficult task. Within the last century, the run has resulted in fatalities and serious industry. The first thing to remember when partaking in this activity is to follow the rules. Although there are only six bulls making the run, with two herds of regular cattle, a person needs to remember at all times that the situation is dangerous. A visitor should not try to do anything out of the ordinary that could cause injury to himself or herself, or anyone else in the vicinity.

A person should also know the course. Certain areas of the run are more treacherous than others. For example, the stretch between City Hall Square and Mercaderes Street may be ideal for the novice runner. The area is wider than other parts of the run and there are also alleys and doorways that a runner can step into. However, on the other hand, the beginning of the race that leads from the corral to the square is one of the more treacherous sections of the race. The area has a steep angle and the bulls are more compacted together.

The Spanish region of Pamplona is rich in culture and festivities. Whether a person is visiting Spain for the entertainment of the Sanfermines festival or the excitement of the "Running of the Bulls", he or she will take part in an experience that will not soon be forgotten.