Pamplona Bull Running

Pamplona
bull running

page 2

A few more
insights on the
running of the bulls

Ernest Hemingway's
influence

The running of the bulls in Pamplona dates back to the 16th century, and possibly earlier. However, the event became globally renowned mainly because of its description in "The Sun Also Rises", a 1926 book by Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway never ran the bulls. He was always an onlooker. However, as his many fans know, he was a bullfight aficionado.

Controversy

The running of the bulls and the bullfights are not without controversy. Animal-righters have demonstrated in Pamplona against the treatment of the bulls, in and out of the ring. Once they did it in the nude to draw more attention to their cause. It worked.

Steers

The six fighting bulls for each daily bullfight are accompanied down the streets by steers to help keep them reasonably peaceful.

Time and dates

Pamplona's San Fermin Festival takes place every year. The running of the bulls starts daily at 8 am from July 7 to 14.

Bull running
beyond Pamplona

Other towns in Spain have similar (though smaller scoped) festivals and bull runnings. They take place in different months.