Running of the Bulls

Running of the Bulls Encierro
Status	Active
Genre	Cultural festival
Date(s)	July 7–14
Begins	July 7
Ends	July 14
Frequency	Annual
Venue	Streets of Pamplona
Location(s)	Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Activity	Bull running

The Running of the Bulls (Spanish: Encierro) is a practice that involves running in front of a small group of cattle, typically six but sometimes ten or more, that have been let loose on a course of a sectioned-off subset of a town's streets. The most famous running of the bulls is that of the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, which is held every year from July 7 to July 14.

History

The origins of the Running of the Bulls are not well-documented, but the event has roots in northeastern Spain during the early 14th century. Initially, it was a means of transporting bulls from the fields outside the city, where they were bred, into the city's main market place. Over time, young adults would show their bravery by running in front of the bulls without getting injured.

Event Description

The event starts with the firing of the festival's first rocket at 8 AM, signaling the release of the bulls from their corral. Runners, traditionally dressed in white pants and shirts with red waistbands and neckerchiefs, run in front of the bulls over a roughly 850-meter course through the narrow streets of Pamplona. The run typically lasts between two to three minutes, ending in the bullring where the bulls are corralled.

Cultural Significance

The Running of the Bulls has become a major global tourist attraction, largely due to its broadcast on television and depiction in popular media. It is a key component of the San Fermín festival, which is itself a celebration of the patron saint of Navarre, Saint Fermín. The festival includes many other cultural events such as parades, fireworks, and traditional dancing.

Controversies and Safety

The event is controversial due to the dangers involved and the ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Every year, several injuries are reported, and fatalities, though rare, have occurred. The event has faced criticism from animal rights groups who argue that it is cruel and inhumane to the bulls.

In Popular Culture

The Running of the Bulls gained international fame partly due to Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel The Sun Also Rises, which features the festival. It has since been depicted in various other forms of media, contributing to its mythic status.

See Also

• Bullfighting
• Fiesta de San Fermín
• Pamplona