San Fermin Running of the Bulls

Summer is rapidly approaching! For most of us, that means buying some new shorts, dusting off the patio chairs, and renewing that pool membership. But if you live in Spain, July is all about one thing, or rather, one creature: bulls. Located in the city of Pamplona, the San Fermin Festival is one of Spain's most celebrated events. Each year on July 6th, a massive fiesta gets underway, ending one week later with the famous running of the bulls. If you have never experienced this unique event, it is definitely something to add to your list!
The day starts off early enough, at 8:00 a.m. as the competitors don their distinctive outfits- all white clothing, with a red handkerchief around their necks (called a panuelo) and a red sash around their waist (called a faja). Before beginning their dangerous route, all the runners gather to sing an ode to a statue of San Fermin, perhaps to grant them luck and safety.
Then, it's time for the actual run, which begin with the firing of two rockets (cohetes), which announces first the release of the bulls, and then notification that the last bull has left the corral. And then it's every man for himself! As the runners make their half mile way through Pampona's cobbled streets, there are several factors to look out for. Though the initial rush of the bulls and agitated stragglers are of great concern, the biggest cause of injury in recent years has actually been caused by the crowd; In order to get the best views of the bulls and runners, the audience has created some fatal stampedes, leaving the Festival organizers to distribute multi-lingual guides with safety precautions.
The run concludes when the last of the bulls are herded into the Corralillos stadium. A third rocket is fired to signal the bulls have entered the stadium and a fourth, and final, rocket signifies the bulls have returned to their pens, and the end of the race.
Even if you are not in great physical shape, don't agree with the run itself, or simply don't want to risk your life, there are many other events to enjoy, including carnival rides, sangria tastings, and puppet shows. Pamplona during the San Fermin Festival is truly a once in a life time experience that everyone should enjoy.