Pamplona

Why Pamplona is special
The internationally famous running of the bulls event takes place in Pamplona annually in July.

About Pamplona's running of the bulls
In a nutshell, here's what happens
Six top-selected fighting bulls are stampeded through the Pamplona streets to reach the bullring, where they will engage matadors later in the afternoon.

It normally takes the bulls several minutes to travel the 850 meters (900 yards) long course to the bullring. It can take much longer if a bull slips and disrupts the smooth flow of the rushing animals.

Young men (and occasionally women) don traditional white outfits accessorized with red sashes and scarfs. They race in front of the bulls to show off (or prove something to themselves) in a display of bravado. See photo.

Best spectator viewing locations
They are at the start (Cuesta de San Domingo) and end (close to the bullring) of the running. To secure a good vantage, you have to occupy it two or three hours before the bulls dart out of the holding pen. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket for reserved seating or standing.

Casualties
Since 1924, 13 runners have been killed and scores have been injured. Some people want the running outlawed for that reason. Others say that the event serves its purpose.

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.

Thinking of running?
My advice: Talk yourself out of it
The risks to body and life are real. You will be playing Pamplona roulette. By dropping out, you won't be a coward. You'll be wise.

If you do decide to run with the bulls anyway,
I've prepared for you some tips that locals know, but few tourists do
Corners
Navigate corners on their inner, not outer sides. A bull's momentum usually takes him (and his horns) to the outer side.

Tripping
Besides being alert for the bulls behind you, watch out for falling runners in front of you. You don't want to become part of a chain-reaction tripping.

Stray bull
Be especially weary of a bull that has separated from the pack. It's more likely to do the unexpected, like suddenly turning to attack you.

Play dead
If you fall down and a bull is behind you, don't get up. Play dead. Bulls are genetically programmed to charge a moving body.

Sleep
Get a good night's sleep and be completely sober. Late-night partying will slow down your reflexes and impair your judgment.

Shoes
Wear shoes with good traction to keep from slipping on the cobblestone streets. And, because it's early in the morning, the stones could be damp with dew.

Starting point
The location will make a big difference in your personal safety.

• Think twice about starting where the bull running begins
  Unless you're a seasoned bull runner, don't start your mad dash from where the angry bulls are released (near Cuesta de Santo Domingo).
  
• Instead ...
  Pick a starting position on the home stretch (Calle Estafeta). The closer to the bullring, the better. You will reduce the time you are in harm's way. As a bonus, the bulls will likely be a tad more tired.

Good luck and have fun!

Some more Pamplona tips and insights
Pamplona festival events beyond the bull runnng
The running of the bulls is just one part of the 9-day San Fermin Festival that features:

• Daily bullfights
• Nightly fireworks
• Musical performances
• Religious event
• Partying

Party scene
Many people come to Pamplona just as much for partying as for seeing the running of the bulls. It takes place in clubs, residences and on the streets - and can last through dawn.

Bull ring
The Plaza de Toros in Pamplona seats over 19,000 spectators, making it the world's third largest bullring. Only those in Madrid and Mexico City are bigger.

Length of stay
You need not come for the full 9 days of the festival. Deja vu can set in. Most Pamplona tourists (from Spain and beyond) come for the day - or stay for only one or two nights.

Accommodations
They are not easy to obtain for the festival. If you cannot book them in Pamplona, consider staying in San Sebastian, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) away. Then come by car, bus or train on day trips. While you're in Pamplona, you might find a last-minute cancellation.

Location in Spain