How Do You Run With The Bulls

So, you've seen Bullfighter on Netflix, and now you're thinking, "Hey, that looks fun! I could totally run with those bulls!" Well, hold your cafecito, my friend, 'cause we're about to dive into the wild world of encierros, the bull runs of Spain. Grab a churro, let's chat.

First Things First: What's an Encierro?

Alright, imagine this: it's early morning in Pamplona, Spain. The streets are damp, the air is cool, and suddenly, a herd of angry, horned beasts is stampeding towards you. That, my friend, is an encierro. It's a centuries-old tradition where they release bulls from their pen and let them run through the streets to the bullring. And yes, people run alongside them. Because, why not?

Who's This Madness For?

Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds like a great way to end up as a human piñata!" And you're not wrong. But hear me out, it's not just for adrenaline junkies. Locals and tourists alike take part, some for the thrill, some for the tradition, some because they had one too many tinto de veranos the night before. No judgment here, we've all been there.

But listen, you don't have to be a daredevil to participate. Most people just run a short distance or watch from the sidelines. It's a party, after all, and there's plenty of fun to be had without becoming a bull's personal chew toy.

Okay, I'm In. What's the Plan?

First things first, get there early. We're talking 6 AM early. The run starts at 8, but the streets fill up fast. You'll want to stake out your spot, maybe make some new friends. Who knows, you might even meet someone brave (or crazy) enough to run with you!

Running with the bulls: Scenes from the streets of Pamplona - July 10

Now, the run itself is over in a flash. It's about 825 meters long, and the bulls can reach speeds up to 35 km/h. So, you know, no pressure. The key is to stay calm and keep moving. Don't stop, don't turn your back on the bulls, and for the love of all that's holy, don't trip.

What If I Change My Mind?

No worries, friend! You can always bail. Just remember, once you're in the street, it's a bit of a commitment. The fences go up at both ends, so you'll have to run the whole thing or find a gap in the fence to squeeze through. But hey, no one said this was easy.

And if you do decide to run, wear white. It's tradition, and it'll help you blend in with the crowd. Plus, it's easier to spot your new friends if you're all dressed alike. Just don't forget to put on some sunscreen too. No one wants a sunburn on top of their potential bull-related injuries.

Pamplona Holds Opening Bull Run during San Fermín Festival

After the Run

Congratulations, you've survived! Now it's time to celebrate. The bulls might be in the ring, but you're heading to the bar. It's a time-honored tradition to have a drink (or three) after the run. Just remember to pace yourself. You don't want to be the one passed out in the square when the fireworks start.

And hey, if you're feeling really adventurous, you can even head to the bullring to watch the corrida, the bullfight. But that's a whole other conversation. For now, let's just focus on not becoming a statistic.

So there you have it, the lowdown on running with the bulls. It's crazy, it's dangerous, it's exhilarating, and it's a hell of a story to tell. But remember, folks, this is the real deal. It's not a game, and it's not for the faint of heart. But if you're up for the challenge, grab your red scarf and let's run!