The Running Of The Bulls In Pampelona
The excitement you feel your first time in Pamplona during the San Fermin Festival is something almost indescribable. Every sense is assaulted in the most magical way and you realize you've arrived at one of the most thrilling and unusual religious celebrations in the world.Pamplona, situated in the Northern Spanish province of Navarra, attracts thousands of visitors annually from the 6th to the 14th. of July. They come to enjoy the celebrations for San Fermin, the patron saint of the city, but mostly they come to see the Running of the Bulls or "Encierro" made world famous by avid visitor and adopted Pamplonica, the writer Ernest Hemingway.
The history of how this particular run, for there are many throughout Spain, evolved is actually quite simple. It began during the festival when the bulls being used in the bullfight that evening were "run" by the drovers from their enclosure through the streets and into the pens within the bullring "Plaza de Toros". The exciting event became popular with locals who decided to also run along with the bulls. From this the more daring challenge of running in front of the bulls took off. Since 1852 the route from Santo Domingo Street, through the Plaza Consistorial and along Estafeta Street via the dangerously twisting Mercaderes Street has remained unchanged.
For those crazy folk who choose to take part in the challenging run then there are a number of basic guidelines to be followed.
It is forbidden to run if are under 18.
Never, ever run if you are drunk or excessively tired.
Do not carry items such as cameras, videos, backpacks, etc.. They´ll get damaged or impede your exit. Unsuitable clothing or footwear is forbidden.
You must enter the route at an official gate either at the Plaza Consistorial or at the Plaza del Mercado. Gates close at 7.30am.
Never stand still during the run.
While running you must be sure to look all around you. Up ahead for other runners who might trip you and behind for the bulls. This is not a race and you won't be able to run the entire route so have in mind beforehand a spot where you plan to exit. The bulls run very fast and will be ahead of you before you know it.
Do not try to touch the bulls or catch their attention as a distracted bull may decide to break from the herd. A lone bull is extremely dangerous and much more likely to attack. Also the drovers, who carry very large poles, do not tolerate messing and freely whack offenders.
If you should fall there is one and only one thing to do. Stay down and cover your head. When all the bulls have passed someone will tap you on the shoulder to let you know you're safe. It was by attempting to stand up that Peter Mathews Tasio was fatally gored. You may receive some bumps and bruises but that should be all.
Dining in Pamplona during San Fermin tends to be done very much on the go unless you make a restaurant reservation. All bars serve the popular and very tasty miniature treats known as "pinchos" (like tapas but more varied). A typical early morning breakfast might include "caldo" which is a delicious clear soup or "chocolate con churros", a large mug of thick hot chocolate served with fried dough and coated in sugar. The tasty spanish omelette known as "tortilla" is available everywhere. And a local drink which you´re certain to encounter is "kalimotxo" a 50/50 mix of coke and wine. Not as bad as it sounds.
Link:
Pamplona Festival THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS 2007!!!
posted by Londons Premier Tour Operator @ 8:25 AM
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