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Running of the Bulls-Spain
Spain is called the Land of love, laughter, history and fiestas. There are many factors that make tourists flock in thousands here for things beyond Costa del Sol and warm English beer, Spain has a history of pageantry and conquistadors, artistic legacy -Goya, Velázquez, Picasso and Dalí, and romance - Don Quixote; but equally famous for the Sanfermines.
Background information about the Sanfermines
The Running of the Bulls is held every year in July, in Pamplona and is the most famous festival in Spain. Bullfights have been the essence of Spain for hundreds of years and no fiesta is complete without a corrida (Bullfight). Las Fiestas de sSan Fermin, as The Running of the Bulls is locally referred to, takes place in Pamplona, the capital of the northern Spanish province of Navarro. The bullfight participants gather at the Plaza de Paz, led by the mounted Alguacil, or bailiff, wearing a Philip II costume. Close behind are the muleskinners and señoritas decked out in traditional dress in a parade through the bullring.
Tips for tourists attending the Running of the Bulls
- Since this is the most awaited fiesta in Spain, there is an unimaginable rush for hotel bookings and coordination is of utmost importance, therefore it is prudent to book at least six months in advance if you want to secure a hotel room. Hemingway's room at Hotel La Perla has been booked for every night of the fiestas for the next 40 years by a Swiss publisher who, with laudable optimism, intends to celebrate his 100th birthday there-such is the splendor of Spain and Spanish festivals!
- It is best to book a place to stay as close as possible to the fiesta, as buses to the outlying areas do not run throughout the night.
- Be prepared to shell out some extra cash during the fiesta times as prices for drinking on the terraces are inflated during the fiesta and, as in all Spain, there is one price for drinking at tables and another for standing at the bar. A good meal of bull stew or Navarra trout for about US$8 in self-service restaurants and a liter of sangria for the wineskin will cost about US$4- which is a pretty reasonable option for those on a budget.
- As memorabilia, one can buy the bull-runners' uniform (white jeans, shirts, red bandanas and sashes) all over the town.
- Spectators for the Running of the Bulls need to be at the venue to scout prime positions at least an hour before the start time. The high walls above Santo Domingo or right on the corner at Mercaderes is a smart option.
- The tickets for the bullfight needed to be bought at least a day in advance. For an unforgettable experience, buy the cheaper tickets for the sol (sun) section: largely thanks to the local kids in this area that carry buckets of sangria that is thrown more than imbibed-with eggs, oranges, tomatoes and bags of sugar, flour and cocoa powder pitched for better effects.