Spain - San Fermin: The Running of The Bulls

By Tristan Tancredi

Slap on your red and whites and get ready for some "man versus beast" action in Pamplona for the annual San Fermin festival, or as Westerners prefer to call it, The Running of the Bulls.

Now, some might believe strongly against the mistreatment of animals especially for the illogical, crazy adventures that mankind seems to embark on, but this is more than just the "bulls", it's a lot of fun.

Despite the fact that the entire event makes little sense today: it may be hard to comprehend how a full-grown, angry bull running through crowded narrow streets can be enjoyable, its the adrenalin that will pump through your system that makes it all worth while.

The festival begins on the 6th of July each year at 12:00pm and the traditional attire worn by the people of Pamplona, must consist of two colours - red and white. This usually involves white clothing, with a red scarf, that, at the commencement of the festival must be worn around the neck. It is important to note that, as tourists to an event, it is critical to respect the local traditions, and, more importantly, the local people.

The crowd gathers down at the main square of Pamplona with their red and whites on, looking fresh and clean, with a bladder flask full of Sangria (normally the cheapest Sangria available) hanging around their shoulders, waiting in anticipation for the clock to strike midday. As noon approaches the crowd surges, the locals chant, the tourists try to join in. Then MIDDAY, no longer are the whites visible, they are drenched in Sangria and no longer is the bladder flask full, the contents is either in your mouth or on the person next to you.

It is a crazy scene on the first Sunday of July in Pamplona and it continues right through the night until early the next morning with the first of the bull runs at 8:00am Monday. The confused bulls are released, much to the jubilation of the thousands of weary and somewhat drunk witnesses but much to the horror of the male participants running. (Traditionally women are not allowed to participate in the running, although some women still run, much to the disdain of the locals). Once the adult bulls have run and are locked away, the younger bulls are released within the stadium. These young bulls have their horns corked but run wild and are still capable of causing some damage.

The event runs for about two weeks in early July, although the busiest days are from the first Sunday until about the second Bull Run on the Tuesday.

A massive tourist event for Spain, the number of Westerners who make the journey each year is extraordinary, so booking accommodation early is crucial. The later you wait to book the more you will have to pay and the further out you will end up from Pamplona.

The limited budget backpacker can also attend San Fermin by joining tour parties. These events book out camping grounds in neighbouring towns adjacent to Pamplona and offer cheap accommodation in tents with bathroom facilities. Most importantly they run shuttle buses to and from Pamplona throughout the event. PP travels offers two locations close to Pamplona with early booking opportunities now available.

Pamplona is located just over an hour southwest of San Sebastian, a gorgeous coastal town which is located about five hours by train from Spains capital, Madrid. If your objective is the San Fermin Festival then an easy and relaxing route to take is: From Madrid, catch the train to San Sebastian, spend a few days there (enough to fall in love with the small Basque town), and, from there, a local train can take you to Pamplona or a neighboring town.

Pamplona is ideal for people looking for adrenalin pumped action. If an adrenalin rush is not high on the agenda, how about just lapping up a unique culture, indulging in a once in a lifetime experience and appreciate all that is offered at San Fermin.

Links:
PP Travel