Pamplona
The Festival of San Fermin - which includes the
famous Running of the Bulls - has put Pamplona on
the map. For nine manic days in July, this sleepy
provincial capital comes alive, as perhaps Europe's
wildest festival kicks off.
The 'Encierro' or Running of the Bulls is the best
known event of the Fiesta of San Fermin. Held each
morning from 4 July to 11 July inclusive, the Running
features scores of brave (crazy?) locals and visitors
running in the path of enraged and confused bulls,
as they make their way through the streets of the
town to the bullring. Every year there are heroes,
casualties, and the exhilaration of this unique
and dangerous spectacle.
The Procession of San Fermin is another highlight
of the festival, as the crowds move through the streets,
and the focus turns to the religious significance
of the festival. Inevitably enough, most of the festival-goers
end the day in one of Pamplona's numerous bars
and clubs, which are kept busy throughout the
nine days of San Fermin.
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