Keeping the Bull Run Tradition at Pamplona

Ernest Hemingway put Pamplona on the map with his exposition of the bull runs in his best seller “The Sun Also Rises”. Pamplona has long been a center of attraction with the bull-run tradition from the medieval times where herdsmen drive their bulls across the plains and town streets into the bull ring within the city.

Pamplona is an important city betwee
Castilia and France which embodies a diverse architecture, cuisine, culture, tradition and customs since the days of past epochs. The various influences from the Visigoths, Moors, Franks and Romans shaped the city to what it is today.

St. Fermin festival

One of the most popular festivals in Pamplona is the St. Fermin festival in July. Hundreds of international visitors come to Pamplona to join in the festivity which brings thousands of locals across the region.

Thousands of people of all races throng the city streets to watch dozens of bulls released to run the cordoned city streets directing the bulls to the bull ring before confronting skilled matadors. Older folks and families are wise to observe the annual ritual from a safe location while adventurous thrill-seekers participate in excitement.

Outcome

Although the bull run is part and parcel of a steep tradition in Pamplona, there is a certain level of risk involved where participants and by-standers can be injured in the event. One such undesirable incident is the death of an American youth who was gored to death in 1995 by a bull. Another runner was experienced the same fate in 1924.

Many young and enthusiastic runners are still game to participate in the Bull Run despite the risks involved which only heightens the mystique of the festival. Tourists are advised to stay on the safe sidelines to observe the event while they are free to join in the merry making later in the night with music, dancing, singing and fireworks. There are plenty of activities which liven up the place and festival during the eight day event.

Satisfaction

The experience one feels during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona is unlike any other experience on a holiday. The bull running event may last only a few minutes but the experience would last a lifetime. It is definitely an experience that would change the outlook of a participant which money cannot buy.

Hence, it is not surprising that tourists flock to Pamplona for a personal experience with the most talked about tradition in Spain.