San Fermín, aka "running of the bulls" is one of the biggest and most well known festivals in the world. We went for a night to see what it was all about and it ended up being the highlight of my summer! When we left we still did not know if we would be running "with" the bulls or just watching. But, we got there and thought, how could we not run (for at least a little bit)??
First, outfits are very important.
We were told to wear all white and buy the bandannas and sashes when we got there.
Everybody is wearing all white with red- so so cool! The way we knew we got to Pamplona is when we looked out of the bus window and saw people in these outfits. We should have worn pants to really fit in, though.
There we are, ready and nervous to start!
We made friends with all of the people around us. A group of boys from UVA and a guy who graduated from A&M helped us figure out where we should run to have the most fun but also stay safe. Everybody was so excited but also nervous. Apparently a lot of people thing girls can't run (false), the police just pull the ones out of the crowd who they don't think can do it (guess we looked good enough!!). We ended up starting directly down from the arena so that we made sure we got in to see the people and bulls running around for an hour or so. We probably ran for about 45 seconds (the run is about half a mile total) with crowd before we made it in.
And we made itttt! A little frazzled and overwhelmed.
The only way I saw people getting really hurt was by trying to taunt the bulls and whatnot. It is "good luck" if you touch the bull. (See the guy with the rolled up newspaper? It is common to have that and reach out and touch the bull with it).
First, there was a set of six bigger bulls let out to run, and then another set of six smaller bulls. The smaller bulls were the ones that ran around the arena with the people. I did not think they were small at all though..
We stood close along the edge and jumped over the other side of the fence when needed. But were never close enough to touch the bulls. It was quite the thrilllll.
These men brought out oxen when it was time for the bulls to leave the arena.
This is how close the crazy people would get to them and then get knocked by their horns.
They kept us in the arena until all of the bulls ran through and were taken out. It was about an hour or so, and after everybody was just gathering in the middle finding friends, etc. We ended up finding our friends from UT who were also studying in Barcelona with us!
We went and took naps in the park after. Pretty view of the mountains in Pamplona!
This began around 1591 and is celebrated by everybody in Pamplona. During the day we saw so many families dressed up going to parties. Some people say that the festival is comparable, or bigger, than Mardi Gras.
This was my favorite summer adventure, for sure! It was one of the coolest and most insane things I have (and probably will ever) do in my life. I loved it!!
For more info on all of this (there is way too much for me to type and don't want to bore you) here is a CNN video talking about it.
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