Now blog readers, I am not going to get into the pros and cons of bull fighting, other than to say, just like fox hunting in the UK, it's not something I would want to get involved in but I equally have no real urge to protest against it.
Having said that I do have a soft spot for Pamplona and the feast of St Fermin or as we know it the "The Running of the Bulls". For around 3 minutes a day for the week of the festival (starts 7th July) the bulls have an opportunity to get their own back and sometimes they really do with major injuries or deaths.
Each bull run starts just before 8am when the runners (who all wear white trousers, white shirts and red neckerchiefs) assemble in front of the statue of St Fermin and ask three times for its blessing. Then at 8 o'clock a rocket is fired and the bulls released.
They chase the runners up the hill and round by the Town Hall. The runners carry rolled up newspapers to agitate the bulls with (why would you torment a bull that's about to run all over you?)
The runners and bulls then have to negotiate a ninety degree turn into the Calle de la Estafeta - this is the most dangerous bit because both bulls and runners slide on the cobbles as they turn the corner. After running the length of the Calle de la Estafeta everyone finally (providing they haven't been gored or trampled) arrives at the bull ring.
If you fancy running with the bulls - AND YES I AM MEANING YOU! - Please not that most (in fact all) travel insurance policies will not cover you for this activity.
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