#36 The Running Of The Bulls
When, Where, and How did it start:
The Running of the Bulls takes place from July 6th to July 14th annually. In Spanish, the nine-day festival is called Encierro, derived from the word ecerrar, meaning to lock/shut up. The event takes place in Pamplona and is called San Fermin, which is not the only Running of the Bulls, but is the most famous. Unlike bullfights, which are performed by professionals, anyone can participate in an encierro. Other Encierros are held in towns and cities throughout Spain and in some cities in Mexico as well as in southern France.
The Encierro, a.k.a. the Running of the Bulls, started in 1910 during a festival where drovers ran bulls used in bullfights for the evening from their enclosure, through sectioned-off streets in Pamplona, and into the pens of the bullring, Plaza de Toros. Locals began the tradition of jumping in and running alongside the bulls. As time went on, they became more daring by running in front of the bulls.
Ceremonial rockets are fired from the upper balcony of Town Hall building to start the Encierro as thousands of people pop corks off bottles of Cava (champagne). The first is for the bulls. The second is for the runners. Dressed in white with red bandannas, the crowds sing songs and cheer San Fermin as the nine-day festival commences.
Today, six bulls and six steers weighing between 500 and 700 kg do anything but lumber through the streets. They move fast, covering the entire 830 meters in about three minutes. Running uphill along Santo Domingo takes about thirty seconds. With so little time, runners can ill afford to make any mistakes. Injuries from goring and trampling are all too common for both runners and bulls.
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action:
A boat load of euros will get you a rented balcony from a local resident. Those looking for renters will usually hang a notice from their balcony. Free seating is available in the bullring at the end of the run.
Best way to partake in the action and get up close:
Recognize the risks and dangers of running with the bulls. Appropriate clothing, particularly running shoes, is highly recommended. You must be over eighteen and it is recommended that you be sober and well rested. Have someone hold a purse or backpack for you. Keep running and be aware of your surroundings. Do not try to make contact with or distract a bull, as a lone bull is more dangerous than the overall herd. Finally, if you fall, lie still with your head covered. My advice if you definitely don’t want to deal with a horn in your leg is to watch instead of run. It’s certainly a little safer that way but then again it’s an experience…
Best travel tip:
Arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 A.M. to avoid the crowds and dress warm for the cooler Pamplona mornings.
