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Although some might disagree with its concept, the Running of the Bulls has long been one of Spain’s most popular traditions. Each year thousands of locals and visitors arrive in the town of Pamplona for the festival of Sanfermines, of which the bull runs are a part. The dangerous bull runs take place every morning from July 7 to 14, with each run lasting around three minutes and spanning an area that is around half a mile long.

The original Sanfermines festivals took place in the month of October as early as the 1200s through the late 1500s. It was during the 1500s that the region began to recognize not only the festivals that paid homage to the area’s patron saint, San Fermin, who lived in the fourth century, but also the increasing popularity of bull fighting. Once bull fighting was added to the festivities along with music and other forms of celebration, July 7 was chosen as a more appropriate date to begin the festivals. This also reduced the festival’s weather concerns.

In the 1590s, the Sanfermines festival was held in July over the course of two days. Since then, the festival has grown by leaps and bounds. At first extended to three days, the addition of entertainment, including dancing, fireworks, processions and the Comparsa de Gigantes, has caused the festivities to be extended throughout an entire week in July.

The Running of the Bulls remains the Sanfermines festival’s most popular attraction. At 8 a.m. each morning, a shot is fired to signal that the gates of the Santo Domingo corral are open. A second shot indicates that all the bulls have left the corral. The bulls and people making the run follow a maze of winding and angled streets that sometimes proves treacherous. If all goes well, the bulls end up in the bull pen. The situation, however, can be dangerous if a bull becomes separated from the others and has to be corralled back to the pen. Once all the bulls are in the pen, a third shot is fired. This is followed by a fourth shot indicating the end of the race.

The Running of the Bulls is a dangerous and difficult endeavor. Within the last century, the run has resulted in fatalities and serious injuries. The first thing to remember when taking part is to follow the rules. Although there are only six bulls making the run with two herds of regular cattle, a person needs to remember at all times that the situation is dangerous. A visitor should not try to do anything out of the ordinary that could cause injury to himself, herself or anyone else in the vicinity.

Make sure you know the course. Certain areas of the run are more treacherous than others. For example, the stretch between City Hall Square and Mercaderes Street may be ideal for the novice runner. The area is wider than other parts of the run and there are also alleys and doorways that a runner can step into. The beginning of the race, which leads from the corral to the square, is one of the more treacherous sections of the race. The area has a steep angle and the bulls are closer together.

The Spanish region of Pamplona is rich in culture and festivities. Whether you're visiting Spain for the entertainment of the Sanfermines festival or the excitement of the Running of the Bulls, you will take part in an experience that will not soon be forgotten.