Running of the Bulls in San Fermin
The San Fermin Festival or the Pamplona bull running as it is known around the world officially starts at midday every year on the sixth of July every year.
The history of bull running in Pamplona is not very clear but there is proof that suggests that the festival started in the 13th century during October which coincided with the feast of San Fermin which occurs during the 10th of October. Bullfighting fiestas and bull running is an evolution of the medieval traditions that are still celebrated today. The roots of bullfighting goes as far back as the fourteenth century. Later on, the purely religious festival of San Fermin was mixed in with music, dancing, and merrymaking that the Pamplona's council decided to move it to the 7th of july when the weather is more suited to the partying. The move of the date was fixed to the 7th of july and this melded together the religious and cultural celebrations to become the first official celebration of the feast of San Fermin in 1591. The first fiesta was a very simple affair when compared to the modern day festival which is filled with bullfights, merrymaking, and processions and the celebrations were extended for three more days.
During the 19th century, all kinds of carnivals and attractions made their way into the Pamplona festival. During these times, there were no walls that acts as added security but rather the bulls were just set free to run amok around the streets. The person who was responsible making the Pamplona bull run known around the world is the American writer, Ernest Hemingway, who wrote about the running of the bulls in his novel entitled "The Sun Also Rises" written in 1926. This made the running of the bulls very popular around the world and if you do plan to go there, you should book for accommodations a few months ahead.
You can join the crowds in the mad dash from the bulls if you are there for the intense adrenaline rush. Bulls are very undpredictable animals and it is one of the most dangerous festivals in the world. A good way to avoid being rammed by the bulls is to settle yourself on a second floor balcony and watch the festivities from there. Run very fast and do not get cornered by the bulls if you do decide to join in the Bull Run. Do not forget to also try Spain's best contribution to the cuilinary world, acorn cured hams such as the jamon iberico and dry cured hams like jamon serrano. You have never been to Spain if you have not tried any of these hams.
About the Author
As a writer I get my articles in various internet sites, cook books, travel books, encyclopedias, and I look deep into my family tradition in order for me to write something really interesting.
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here