The Draw of Spains Running with the Bulls

The festival is best known for its Pamplona roots, but it is actually a tradition in many small towns all over the country of Spain. That ritual, of course, is the Running of the Bulls. It happens annually around the second or third week in July. It is in honor of the patron saint of Pamplona, San Fermin and the festival is actually known as Sanfermines. The actual running of the bulls act is a culmination of the event and is called Encierro.

Obviously the Encierro is the most well known part of the festival, and it undoubtedly the biggest draw for foreign visitors to the festival. This Running of the Bulls actually takes place over an 800-meter course through the streets of the town. The bulls themselves will travel to the afternoon bullfight via the course and all the participants in their way. Between July 7th and 14th, six bulls are released every morning. The streets are packed with the runners and when they hear the rocket indicating the release of the bulls they begin their run.

Part of the draw for many is the danger factor. Between 1924 and 1997 there were 14 deaths and well over 200 serious injuries. There are also a large number of close calls, which is the real thrill. In 1995, in fact, an American tourist actually died via a bull goring. Many of the locals, who use the running as a sort of rite of passage, blame the influx of foreigners for making the running more dangerous than it was in its earlier days. Locals are experienced in being around bulls, while those form other countries have often never been around them and don’t know how to avoid them efficiently. They end up clogging up the course and causing more injuries.

The run starts at Santa Dominga Street, which is at the beginning of the 800-meter course, but participants may also start farther along the course at either Mercaderas or Estafeta. As participants wait for the release of the bulls, they sing a traditional song asking for blessing as they run from the bulls. The other option that many tourists take is to simply watch. If you want to watch, you can do so from behind double fences that will protect you from the bulls as they run the street.

After the running of the bulls, the focus is still on these massive animals at the afternoon Corridas, or bull fights. They take place at the town’s main bullring. This is usually the first time that many of the locals emerge from their long slumbers since there is so much partying at night. The bullfights in the afternoon are a big part of the celebration and when the real partying actually starts all over again and then carries into the night.

The running of the bulls has actually been a tradition that dates back about 600 years. The saint to whom it is dedicated became a martyr when he was dragged up and down the streets by bulls. Now the festival celebrates him every year by focusing on the running of the bulls.

Though it is a very old tradition, and it actually did not gain worldwide popularity until one of the most famous American authors and adventurers took note. In his classic novel, The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemmingway talks about the festival and event. The book is one read by many a freshman and certainly glorifies this dangerous tradition. Spaniards of the area, though, are torn by the popularity. While they fear the tourists make it dangerous and taint the tradition, they also crave the money that comes into town and the opportunity to spread their culture around the world.

The running of the bulls is a fantastically spectacular event. Every July, Pamplona Spain becomes the focal point for those who love culture, history, and adrenaline. Thanks to Ernest Hemmingway and his worldly life, the tradition has found its way into the collective mindset of the western world. From throughout the United States and Europe, people flock to the area to watch or participate in this traditional and dangerous event. While giving Spain the opportunity to spread their culture throughout the world, they may fear the damage done by those who are inexperienced more than that.

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