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Summer is a time for festivals and carnivals. Some exciting, some common, some others just look weird. The famous bull running festival of Pamplona, Spain, is one among those festivals, which is a bit crazy.
Every year, the annual Bull Running Festival, usually called as San Fermin, by the locals, attracts thousands of brave festival goers who run with the bulls. The seven- day festival is conducted from 6th to 14th of July each year. The fiesta begins with the Mayor’s official announcement followed by a rocket launching. Once the rocket goes off to signal, six bulls along with six steers, all dressed in white with a red handkerchief around their necks and a red sash around their waist will be let out of their corral. The bulls charge down the street towards the bullring along an 825m stretch, and the crowd goes wild. It advances through four streets, Santo Domingo, Town Hall Square, Mercaderes and Estafeta. Spectators can stand at the rear of the fence, but need to arrive early to get a good spot. The next rocket is set off, once all the bulls have entered the bullring and the final rocket marks the end of the Bull Run.
Yes, this famous festival lasts for just four minutes, between the first rocket and the last one. It seems slightly insane to go anywhere near a charging bull weighing almost 700kg. People get injured every year, not just because of the speeding bulls, but also by falling and drink-related injuries. Security personnel can hardly do anything due to the heavy crowd. 15 deaths as well as more than 500 serious injuries have been reported since its initiation.
Though the history is unclear, evidences of the Bull Running celebrations can be traced back to 14th century. It is widely believed that the event initially originated to bring the bulls from off-site corrals, to sell at the market. Men would attempt to speed up the cattle using tactics of fear and excitement.Over the years, this changed into a competition as youngsters attempt to race in front of the bull without being overtaken. Earlier, the event was celebrated in October along with Spain’s yet another well-known San Fermin Festival. Later, Pamplona council decided to schedule both the festival jointly in July, taking the weather into consideration. The religious San Fermines and the commercial Bull running festival was celebrated together at the inaugural fiesta in 1591. As time passed, the religious value of the festival diminished as plenty of music, dancing, drinking, bullfighting and fireworks took a front seat.
Double wooden or iron barricades are erected on the running street to direct the bulls. Viewers can stand behind the fence for a visual treat. Since it is overcrowded, you need to arrive early to get the right spot. For the best view, try to get your slot in front of the museum in Santo Domingo. If you are unlucky, the next option is to watch the live telecast on national TV.
Since thousands of tourists from all over the world head to Casa Consistorial in Pamplona to take part in this brave festival, getting your tickets is not too easy. As the bullring arena holds only 12,500 people, grab your ticket well in advance. If you don’t bother, line up to get a ticket from the ticket touts operating near the Plaza de Toros, at a higher prize. Wide array of accommodation and dining facilities are also available depending on your budget. But plan early to get the best. If you are going to take part in this wildest and craziest festival of Spain, don’t forget to be insured.
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Source by Peter Lancer
