Congratulations to Spain for winning this year’s World Cup! Also, a round of applause for all teams that played in the tournament. Nice job, world!
Celebrations for this European country aren’t over by any means: the annual Running of the Bulls is currently underway in Pamplona!
This world renowned tradition originally began in the 14th Century as a means for the local butchers to transport their inventory to market. Then as the years passed, young adults converted this process into a competition. Now, instead of chasing the bulls throughout the sectioned-off streets, participants run AHEAD of bulls and hope to make it to the gated pens at the end of the route. The event lasts for about 3-5 minutes, but has been known to go on for as long as a half an hour. This all depends upon the course the animals take and how long it takes to get them corralled.
The attire for this event is quite simple, but also mandatory: consisting of a white shirt, white pants, a red scarf worn as a belt, a red handkerchief, and finally, a rolled up newspaper to be carried in hand. As pictured, the handkerchief is tied around their necks:
The newspaper is used to judge the distance between the runners and the bulls and as a means to distract the powerful animals from injuring a fellow runner. If participating in this event is too intimidating, there are many observatory seats along the outer ring with some of the best views found in balconies above the action. Straight forward advice: rent a car in Spain and get there early! The streets of Pamplona fill up faster for this event than any other surrounding venues combined!
Have you ever participated in the Running of the Bulls? Know a survivor of this age old tradition? Leave a comment with your adventure!
