Spain> Top Annual Events

Running of the bulls

The city of Navarra, Spain, is annually host to an internationally celebrated event, the Running of the Bulls or the Festival of San Fermin. It is held over a week in July. Not only does it draw a multitude of enthusiasts and lovers of extreme sports - it also expresses deep-rooted traditions, beliefs and folklore.

The festival gained popularity after Ernest Hemingway described it in his 1926 masterpiece, The Sun Also Rises. It is the most popular Spanish fiesta, held to commemorate Saint Fermin, the patron saint of the town. It is believed that the festival originated centuries ago, but at the time it was not a unification of the running of the bulls, the fair and the saint's holiday, as it is today.

It is first mentioned in writings of the late 1300s, and is associated with prehistoric pagan rituals. This constantly transforming event has changed a lot since Hemingway's time. It has become much more popular and acquired a positive reputation. Over 80 years it has begun to draw tourists from all parts of the world, while it was originally a gathering of down-and-out locals. The course has been altered to include obstacles, while it was an open and free itinerary when Hemingway wrote his book.

The start-off of the event is marked by a rocket signal on July 6. However, large crowds gather around the terrain much earlier. Large amounts of food and liquor are consumed. The atmosphere is vibrant and exciting, and the lookers-on have a great time. The course is around 900 metres long. Before the races commence the participants sing a hymn in honour of the saint. The first route starts at Santo Domingo Street, sloping up toward the city hall of Navarra, and the race continues over a terrain throughout the town. If you are among the spectators, you can see some interesting sights in the process.

It is interesting and important to note what the runs actually entail. People volunteer to be chased by a 1400-pound raging bull. You must make sure that this is the best decision for you. Tourists are informed that the bulls are far from docile farm animals, trained not to attack. Quite the opposite. The bulls are trained to reach their target, which will be you if you are so inclined. You must not run toward or behind the bulls, and you are advised to refrain from touching them. The racers wear brightly colored clothes, so the bulls can see them. It is a myth that the color red makes the animals angry - it is chosen because it is easiest to see. Their sharp horns can cause excruciating pain and even death. What is most important is that they are real. A fatal accident occurred in this context some years ago - an ill-informed American tourist decided he wanted to race. When the bull began charging down on him, he just stood there, believing it was a very realistic computer animation. He died with this thought. Referring to the situation as a freak accident is putting it mildly indeed. The races start at 8:00 in the morning and last three minutes, but they will definitely be the longest three minutes of your life.