On the inaugural day of the annual bull run in Spain, six individuals sustained injuries.
Among them was a 54-year-old individual from New York, who was one of five people wounded due to knocks.
Additionally, a 37-year-old Spanish man was gored by a bull, as reported by the local government of Navarre.
Each year, the San Fermin festival in the northern Spanish town of Pamplona draws tourists from all over the globe.
The festivities, held in July, are most renowned for the morning bull runs.
At 8 am, the ‘encierro,’ bull runs, comprise hundreds of participants fleeing from six bulls and six docile oxen along a half-mile route through the town’s streets.
These bull runs captivate tourists worldwide, with an estimated 1.7 million individuals visiting Pamplona in 2022 for the event.
The bulls that partake in the morning runs are later killed in bullfights during the afternoon.
Animal rights activists consistently protest the festival, condemning the cruelty inflicted on the animals forced to participate.
Prior to this year’s festival, PETA and AnimaNaturalis held demonstrations in Plaza Consistorial adorning bull horns and faux blood.
The festival was brought to the attention of many English speakers through Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises.
In 2023, only knocks were reported, though the previous year saw four runners being gored during the festivities, and a total of 16 fatalities have occurred since 1910 – the most recent in 2009.
Destino Navarra, an official tourist guide group, noted that visitors from the US and Canada accounted for 70% of their total bookings last year.
While experienced bull runners, mostly locals, endeavor to run just ahead of the bulls’ horns before swiftly evading, less experienced runners, often tourists, aim to steer clear of the animals’ paths altogether.
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During the vibrant festival, nearly all attendees in Pamplona don the traditional white shirt and trousers paired with a red sash and neckerchief.
The festival’s origins are believed to date back centuries and mirror the historical tradition of relocating the bulls from the city’s outskirts, where they were bred, to the bullring.
View the First Bull Run in Pictures
### Man Injured at San Fermin Festival in Spain
A spectator was carried off on a stretcher after sustaining an injury during an event at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona on Sunday. The incident occurred during a traditional bullfight, adding to the intensity of the festival.
### Matador Gored During Bullfight
Matador Borja Jimenez was gored by a bull during a bullfight at the San Fermin festival. The dramatic moment was captured by Reuters photographers, highlighting the risks and excitement associated with the traditional event.
### Thrilling Bull Ring Performance
In an exhilarating display of skill and bravery, a ”Recortador” acrobat was seen jumping over a bull in the bull ring during the Recortadores festival in Pamplona. The daring act, captured by AP photographers, showcased the artistry and danger of the performance.
### Festive Music Bands Lead the Way
Music bands paraded through the crowded streets as they made their way ahead of the festival in Pamplona. The lively atmosphere and vibrant energy of the musicians added to the celebratory mood of the event.
### Heart-Pounding Bull Run
Participants were seen running alongside bulls during the first day of the festival, showcasing their agility and courage as they navigated the streets of Pamplona. The adrenaline-pumping bull run on Sunday was captured in stunning detail by AP photographers.
### Exciting Bull Runs at San Fermin Festival
Two thrilling bull runs have already taken place at the festival, drawing crowds of spectators eager to witness the traditional event. Reuters photographers captured the electrifying moments as participants and bulls raced through the streets of Pamplona.