If adventure and excitement are what you seek during your holidays, the annual festival of the bulls in Pamplona in Spain may be exactly what would suit your taste. The festival is held in the month of July from 7th to 14th every year. You can compete with raging bulls weighing something like 1500 pounds and if this is not the sort of adrenalin rush you are looking for, you also have the choice of watching from the side lines.
The festival of the bulls in Pamplona traces its roots to three different fiestas. It is also known as the festival of San Fermin and legend has it that it was first held as a religious festival in honour of this saint. In the 14th century, it became a commercial fiesta and the third in now what is known the world over as the bull fight.
Another legend has it that the running of bulls festival began in the early 14th century. While transporting cattle to a market for sale, the men would attempt tactics of fear and excitement to speed them up. Soon the practice of making them hurry turned into a competition and gradually it became a tradition which lasts till today.
The festival begins at 8 am in the morning. The actual practice involves running in front of the bulls that have been let loose, on a sectioned-off streets of the town. These streets are fenced off and those who don't want to participate can watch from a safe distance. The 825 meter run lasts about three minutes but these three minutes are enough to give you the excitement of a lifetime if you are participating in the race.
The bulls are let loose from the corral immediately after a rocket is fired. The second fire indicates that the bulls have left the gates and finally the third rocket launch signals the end of the race when the bulls enter the ring. Those who wish to participate in the annual festival of the bulls in Pamplona have to be 18 years and older. Besides, people under the influence of drugs and alcohol are forbidden from participating. According to records, some 15 people have lost their lives since 1924.
Those who wish to watch the event can watch from the fenced off portions of the streets. In fact people start lining up as early as 6 am to get the best spots. Besides, you can also watch the event from you can also view the event from the museum on c/Santo Domingo. Here again the best spots are taken two hours before the event. The better option is to purchase tickets from tour operators who offer access onto balconies that overlook the run.
The festival of the bulls in Pamplona traces its roots to three different fiestas. It is also known as the festival of San Fermin and legend has it that it was first held as a religious festival in honour of this saint. In the 14th century, it became a commercial fiesta and the third in now what is known the world over as the bull fight.
Another legend has it that the running of bulls festival began in the early 14th century. While transporting cattle to a market for sale, the men would attempt tactics of fear and excitement to speed them up. Soon the practice of making them hurry turned into a competition and gradually it became a tradition which lasts till today.
The festival begins at 8 am in the morning. The actual practice involves running in front of the bulls that have been let loose, on a sectioned-off streets of the town. These streets are fenced off and those who don't want to participate can watch from a safe distance. The 825 meter run lasts about three minutes but these three minutes are enough to give you the excitement of a lifetime if you are participating in the race.
The bulls are let loose from the corral immediately after a rocket is fired. The second fire indicates that the bulls have left the gates and finally the third rocket launch signals the end of the race when the bulls enter the ring. Those who wish to participate in the annual festival of the bulls in Pamplona have to be 18 years and older. Besides, people under the influence of drugs and alcohol are forbidden from participating. According to records, some 15 people have lost their lives since 1924.
Those who wish to watch the event can watch from the fenced off portions of the streets. In fact people start lining up as early as 6 am to get the best spots. Besides, you can also watch the event from you can also view the event from the museum on c/Santo Domingo. Here again the best spots are taken two hours before the event. The better option is to purchase tickets from tour operators who offer access onto balconies that overlook the run.