Running Of The Bulls

The Running of the Bulls takes place annually in Pamplona Spain. It is part of a nine-day festival in honor of the city’s patron saint, Saint Fermin. San Fermin or Saint Fermin became a Bishop before he went to France to help convert the pagans. They objected to his attempts, burnt and beheaded him. Long after the event, three of his relics returned to be housed in Pamplona.

The city of Pamplona chose to make him the town’s patron saint. They first celebrated the event in October. When the weather refused to co-operate the nine-day event moved to July. It is now held from July 6th to July 14th.

Many would not know of San Fermin and his relationship to Pamplona except for one event that occurs during the festival – the running of the bulls. The running of the bull or two would receive little notice. The running of a herd of bulls would receive some mention. The running of bulls down narrow streets to the bullring in conjunction with hundreds of people placing themselves in harms way, indeed, running with bulls, is bound to attract attention. In fact, the event is so popular and well-known, Spanish television broadcasts it.

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The Running of the Bulls is staged along the streets of Pamplona. In the Running of the Bulls, streets are blocked off and made even more narrow by the erection of barricades. Pictures of Running of the Bulls reveal the extent of involvement. It looks like pandemonium or chaos, but it is not. There are certain regulations and rules of running of the Bulls. Running of the Bull rules indicate no runner is to tease or harm a single bull. Local custom forbids even touching while running with the bull. You do not harm, touch, pull a tail or commit any act of violence.

Is there any harm done in Running with the Bulls? The facts of the Running of the Bulls are clear. Injuries and deaths do occur. Hooves slip on cobbled streets; horns graze and gore slow or ill-prepared runners. There are individuals too eager to “prove” themselves; others are hurt accidently. Sometimes, they are too slow to slip through the narrow gaps in the fences to safety.

The Pamplona Running of the Bulls is not the only bull running event preceding the bull fighting season. It is, however, the most famous of them.