‘San Fermin’ 9 day carnival is marked by a bull race every morning, in which many brave men run in front of some really crazy bulls on very narrow and steep cobblestone streets of Pamplona. This tradition has been going on since 1911 and some 19 men have been gored to death by the bulls till date! After the run, all the 6 bulls which ran that day are taken into the ‘bull fighting’ arena and meet their death at the hands of a matador in a not-so-fair fight. Anyways, the festivities continue as everyone – old and young, rich and poor come out into the squares and streets to enjoy the concerts, street performers, dance performances and much more with friends and family.
I was touched by their passion for life and energy to ‘live life to its fullest no matter what’. And how everyone in the group made me feel so welcomed and a part of the group, in spite of our language barriers!
