Five Injured in First Bull Run of San Fermín Festival in Pamplona

Protests by Animal Rights Activists

The San Fermín festival, held in honor of the city's patron saint San Fermín, has been celebrated since the year 1591. This year's festival had already begun the day before the bull run and ends one week later, on the Tuesday following the opening run.

Animal rights organizations also protested against the festival this year. The organizers criticize the tradition as "medieval torture." The activists have been calling for years for an end to the bull runs and the subsequent bullfights.

History and Tradition of the Festival

The festival continues to attract thousands of visitors from around the world each year, particularly from Europe, Australia, Asia, and the USA. The mix of folk festival, tradition, and thrill is what makes the event appealing to many.

Injuries among the runners are not uncommon. Dozens of participants are injured during the bull runs every year. According to statistics, there have been a total of 16 deaths in connection with the bull runs in Pamplona since 1924.

Injuries and Safety Situation

The last death during a bull run in Pamplona dates back to 2009. Nevertheless, spectacular scenes occur at nearly every edition of the festival when runners fall or are caught by the animals.

With the first bull run on Tuesday, the festival was officially opened. Further runs will follow in the coming days until the San Fermín festival concludes next Tuesday with the final bull run.

The debate about the future of bull running and bullfighting in Spain continues. While supporters defend the tradition as cultural heritage, critics see the events as an outdated spectacle that unnecessarily puts both humans and animals in danger.