The Running of the Bulls-History and Facts

Six bulls are let loose each day at 8 a.m. during the second week of July every year in Pamplona, a city in the Navarre province of northern Spain. Following them, hundreds of people began to run frantically for half a mile as crowds watched from street corners and balconies, and millions more were watching on television.

To experience the excitement of taking the bull by the horns, the bravest—or the stupidest—try to go in front. However, doing so is expressly prohibited and subject to a severe fine. The bullring in the city, where bullfighters engage in combat with the bulls before killing them, is where the track concludes.

Spaniards and foreigners denounced the festival for its treatment of animals, toxic masculinity-filled environment, and apparent lack of benefit to the participants. After eight runners, including two Americans, were non-fatally gored by bulls during this year’s eight races that ended on July 14, such concerns were revived. One was shot in the neck, but miraculously, the significant arteries were spared.

Incierro San Fermin

The popularity of bull runs in Spanish cities and the religious aspects of Pamplona’s San Fermin fiesta, held each year in honor of the city’s co-patron saint, are thought to have fused throughout time. The running with the bulls festival has been happening every summer since 1591, when the San Fermin Festival was shifted from September to July. Since then, it has drawn increasing numbers of spectators and participants. We get to read this fantastic book Running With The Bulls At 40 by Bob Caine, which is one of the inspiring books 2022.

Spain Has A Bull-Running Tradition

Herders accelerated the process by taking advantage of the animals’ terror and enthusiasm as they were led down the street and into the bullpen. Bull runs in Spain became more of competition after many years of this custom as young men sprang into the street to sprint alongside the beasts while attempting to avoid being crushed.

Before the evening bullfights, the running of the bulls quickly developed into a show of courage, attended by thousands of town residents. Crowds of thrill-seekers in traditional red and white attire converge in Pamplona’s Old Town every morning during the festival for the most dangerous and thrilling three minutes of their lives.

Origins And History

Bull running has been a European tradition since at least the 13th century. It is believed that the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona has been a part of the San Fermin Festival since it began in 1591.

Bull running—or, more precisely, corralling—was a crucial task for medieval butchers and herders who were tasked with transferring cattle from ships or breeding pens outside of the village into a central enclosure in preparation for the following day’s market and bullfight. It was much more than just a festival tradition. Bull running, which used to happen in the middle of the night, has evolved into a spectator sport during the day. Although few documents support this change, the spectators likely started sprinting alongside the animals in the 18th century.

Why Do People Participate In Such A Risky Activity?

According to runners, danger is the key. A group of runners sat down before beginning their races on July 11 to voice their opposition to the government’s use of anti-slip chemicals and expertly trained steers to shepherd the bulls.

Spanish-Speaking Fans’ Viewpoint

While many Spaniards oppose the tradition of bullfighting in general and the running of the bulls in Pamplona, supporters of the institution contend that it is an age-old custom rooted in the old Spanish way of life and that to outlaw it would be to violate their culture.

They also mention the numerous other instances of animal cruelty, including the actions of the food business, which supplies meat to many of the same animal rights proponents who want to call off the event. There are several inspirational motivational books in which people have shared their experiences of running with the bulls.

Various Bull Runs

The custom of running with bulls has persisted all across the world, even if Pamplona’s is the most well-known and well-known. Bull runs are prevalent in numerous cities, states, and nations worldwide, and the San Fermin Festival frequently inspires them.