...15 fatalities have been reported during the bull runs.
Thousands Run with Bulls at San Fermín Festival’s Opening Event in Spain
Bull Running Festival Pamplona Spain News: Thousands of daredevils ran, skidded, and tumbled out of the way of a stampeding group of bulls during the opening run of the San Fermín festival on Monday, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
The initial bull run featured six bulls from the Fuente Ymbro ranch, charging through Pamplona’s cobbled streets in approximately 2 minutes and 37 seconds. The bull run covers a stretch of 846 meters (2,775 feet) and typically lasts between two to four minutes.
(Image courtesy: Aljazeera)
Most runners wore the traditional attire of white trousers and shirt with a red sash and neckerchief, while seasoned Spanish runners attempted to sprint just ahead of the bulls’ horns.
Monday’s event marked the first of nine morning runs, known as "encierros", held during the iconic celebration in Pamplona, northern Spain.
According to AP, thousands of spectators watched from balconies and behind wooden barricades along the route. Millions more followed the thrilling spectacle live on television.
Injuries are common during the festival, either from the bulls themselves or from runners tumbling, being tossed, or skidding on the slick cobblestones.
The San Fermín festival began on July 6 with the traditional “chupinazo” rocket launch in Pamplona's main square. Thousands of revelers dressed in white and red flooded the plaza, celebrating with wine, dancing, and high-spirited energy on Sunday.
Over the past century, 15 fatalities have been reported during the bull runs. The deadliest day was July 13, 1980, when four runners were killed by two bulls. The last death occurred in 2009.
The festival also features cultural performances, including music, dance, and religious processions honoring Saint Fermín, the co-patron of Navarre.
Daily bull runs will continue through July 14, along with free concerts (conciertos gratuitos), parades, and afternoon bullfights.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, animal rights activists marched through Pamplona wearing horns and covered in fake blood, protesting against the bull runs and animal cruelty.
The festival was popularized internationally by Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel The Sun Also Rises, which follows a group of American expatriates traveling to Spain during the San Fermín celebrations.
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