Pamplona Bull Run

If you plan on visiting Spain in the month of July, considering going to the famed Pamplona Bull Run for some entertainment and an adrenaline rush. The country provides tourists and locals with thousands of festivals and big events every year. The Pamplona Bull Run tops the list of the most extraordinary of these. People from all parts of the country and world come in to watch this event. Further, it is highly televised; the festival gets great news coverage worldwide. Whether you are a spectator or participant, expect to have an exciting time during your trip. Take a break from the beaches of Spain and take part in this summertime event.
The festival is held for about a week in July each year. It is traditionally held to honor San Fermin, the patron saint of Navarre. On the first day of the event, the runners stand at the start line at Santo Domingo and sing in honor of San Fermin. The image of the saint is on a wall nearby, and they ask for blessings for the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Once the run starts, the bulls are released. They run frantically for about half a mile. They finally reach a bullring. The runners, in the meantime, rush ahead. Even though they try to run away from the bulls, they also attempt to stay close enough to feel the breaths of the animals. They start slow and get close. Once they feel the presence of the bulls nearby, they dart off to a nearby escape route or passage. At the end of the race, the bulls are led into their pens. When the end of the day approaches, these animals are killed in a bullfight. The treatment of animals of the Pamplona Bull Run annoys many organizations that advocate animal rights. This Spanish festival may be controversial, but it is popular among locals and tourists.
It is also a traditional event for the locals. It first came about in 1591. Then, the festival involved the locals herding bulls into a bullfighting venue. As time passed, the nature of the festival changed. The event was now a running festival with people darting ahead of the bulls. Further changes came in the year 1852, as a new bullring and route were introduced. In its beginnings, the Pamplona Bull Run was not as appealing to the masses as it is today. Initially, only a few people ran with the 1,500-pound bulls. The people who ran in the past were casually trying to show off their courage. This changed and more people showed an interest. Even though it may seem like a risky event that has, indeed, hurt people, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona still attracts people today. It is a very popular festival among running participants and spectators.
It is actually not the only bull running festival in Spain, however. Other Spanish cities also host these types of events. None are as huge and celebrated as the Pamplona Bull Run, but they are still exciting events to experience. A good one runs in late summer is Aravaca-Pozuelo, a suburb of Madrid.