Spectacle in Pamplona - Bloody bull run in Spain remains a tourist magnet
Protests of animal rights activists were once again in vain: In Pamplona, northern Spain, a new edition of the famous and controversial bull runs begins. The nine-day San Fermin Festival will be opened at noon on July 6th with the traditional "Chupinazo," the firing of a small rocket from the town hall balcony. The first bullfight in the community takes place on Sunday.
On Friday, PETA and AnimaNaturalis animal rights organizations protested in Pamplona against this spectacle, which they describe as "medieval cruelty." They demand an end to all bullfights. Some demonstrators went on a float, wore horns, and had their faces and hands painted red. This symbolizes the blood of the approximately 20,000 bulls slaughtered every year at various events in Spain with centuries-old tradition.
Protests have been increasing for years, but the bloodbath in the Navarra region is enjoying high popularity among committed fans. Last year, according to official figures, a total of 1.5 million participants were counted - a record. Hotels were already fully booked several days before the festival, and rental properties were no longer available at normal prices.
Visitors come from various regions of Spain and all over the world, including Germany, Great Britain, France, Australia, Japan, and especially the USA. Pamplona, which today has 200,000 inhabitants, was written about by the American writer Ernest Hemingway in his first major novel "Fiesta" (1926).
The so-called Sanfermines are dedicated to the city's patron saint San Fermin and have been celebrated in Pamplona since the end of the 16th century, every year in early July. There are not only bull runs and fights, but also many concerts, processions, and other events.
The bullfight is undoubtedly the highlight of the festivities: Between July 7th and 14th, six bulls, each weighing up to 600 kilograms, and several oxen are chased through narrow streets by hundreds of people into the arena every morning at 8 a.m., where they are killed in bullfights in the evening. The state television and other TV broadcasters transmit live. There are special programs, millions are glued to their screens.
Thousands follow the bullfight from balconies, walls, and side streets. Tourists pay hundreds of euros for the short-term rental of a small balcony. A lot of red wine and sangria is consumed.
The spectacle is not only dangerous for the animals: Every year, there are injured participants in the bull runs, mainly among the young runners, who run the 875-meter long course of the bullfight. Since 1924, there have been 16 fatalities, the last one being 15 years ago.
- Despite the annual protests from animal rights activists groups like PETA and AnimaNaturalis, the traditional bull runs and bullfights remain a popular spectacle during the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain.
- The controversial 'Bull chase' is a central part of the 'Bull run' events, which take place every morning during the festival, attracting thousands of spectators and thousands more participants from various countries.
- The 'Spectacle' of the bullfights, where six bulls are chased through the streets and eventually killed in the arena in the evening, is tightly regulated and broadcast live on Spanish television and worldwide, drawing massive audiences.
- In Pamplona, the 'Spectacle' has become a cultural 'Festival' that extends beyond just bullfights, featuring concerts, processions, and other events, all in honor of the city's patron saint, San Fermin.
- The 'Cruelty to animals' involved in the bullfights is a continuous point of contention, with critics labeling it as 'medieval cruelty' and advocating for an end to the practice.
- 'Animal rights activists' from organizations like PETA have long been campaigning against the festival, appealing to laws and public sentiment to protect the bulls and other animals involved in the events.
- Despite increasing attention and opposition, the bullfights continue to be a deeply ingrained tradition in Spain, ensuring the San Fermin Festival remains a controversial and iconic celebration in the country.
