Running of the Bulls (Pamplona, Spain)

I should try to be open-minded about other cultures, customs, and attitudes. I understand that Americans like myself are actually too isolated with Canada (51st state) and Mexico plus two oceans insulate us like wire. But being open-minded does not include looking past stupidity. There is no polite way to say this - running with two tons of angry roast beef is simply retarded. Yeah, yeah, "Hemingway did it. . .that's cool." And look how he turned out. . .

UPDATE: Yaaaaaaay, bulls! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43681435/ns/world_news-europe/ A barbaric festival celebrating a barbaric rite of animal torture: bullfighting. I always cheer for the bulls.

This fiesta is second only to Carnival in Rio.... and a lot safer. I've been going since 2004 and don't plan to miss it ever again. Only a unique breed of people come to Pamplona each year, and that's half the fun. You meet adventurers from all over the world. I highly suggest getting access to a balcony to watch the bull run. The best site I've found is www.pamplonabalconies.com, as they have exclusive access to Dead Man's Corner balconies that have a fantastic view. Also, you have to go to the Opening Ceremonies on July 6th. They are absolute mayhem and a site like you'll never see again in your life. Enjoy!

I like the fact that the bulls can get one back for the species and gore some dumb bastard.

hi there im from england and id like to think im a bit of an adrenalin junkie im 23 years old and this year will be my first bull run have never done it before so i thought id give it a try why not its ment to be one of the best parties ever

Hemingway brought this event to the attention of the English speaking world in The Sun Also Rises in the 1920's.   If you have English speakers, you get busybodies clucking their tongues and condemning other cultures and events.  Leave them alone, sez I.Bullfighting is gradually dying in Spain, as soccer is slowing taking over.  The dictator, Primo de Rivera, in the 1920's started this process by building all those big soccer stadiums.  Too bad.  I much prefer bull-fighting over soccer.

a great festival with lots of thrill even if you are up in the valconies watching

so a few dozen humans die or get hurt in the running of the bulls big deal, thousands of bulls are killed in Spain alone each year because of tradition and entertainment.the bulls running in the streets during this festival end up in an arena where they are tortured, mutilated and killed.never been to it, never want to.

Animal abuse is not entertainment! More than 40,000 bulls are barbarically slaughtered in rings in Spain each year, according to The New York Times, but most Spaniards would like bullfights sent to the dustbin of history. The Let’s Go City Guides: Barcelona, 2002 reports that “87 percent of Spaniards believe it’s wrong to make animals suffer for public entertainment or celebration. Sixty percent think that Spain has a bad reputation for its treatment of animals. Of those interviewed, 60 percent had not been to a single bullfight in the past decade, and more than 80 percent had not been even once in the past year.” Tourists who are unaware of the cruelty keep bullfights alive, even though “the average tourist leaves his first bullfight after only two of six bulls have been killed,” says the guide. Many young Spaniards and Mexicans think of this crude sport as an embarrassing old occupation of their grandfathers’ impoverished times. Bullfighting is not about “culture.” It is a cruel ... Read more

Great for entertainment...it's not really running with the bulls so much as it is running FROM the bulls...if I was drunk enough I'd probably give it a try

Anyone who does not "get it" has never been there to experience the passion and the emotion first-hand. Viva la patria y viva San Fermin!

This is a great world party - it makes Mardi Gras look like a McDonalds play ground....

San Fermines rules!!!

People being chased by really huge, unhappy and frightened animals equipped with horns through ancient narrow streets. I'm sorry, is this a holiday for idiots or what?