Bull Racing
We love hosting guests in Pamplona and sharing the rich history of the Running of the Bulls, which dates back to the 13th century. Like some of the world’s most celebrated traditions, the origins of the annual bull runs in Spain are surprisingly practical and, originally, had no association with the San Fermin Festival
While the Pamplona Running of the Bulls is regarded as the most famous and well known bull run, the tradition has been continued across the globe. Many cities, states, and countries have their own versions of bull runs often inspired by the San Fermin Festival.
Spanish tradition holds that bull-running began in northeastern Spain in the early 14th century. Cattle herders who wanted to transport their animals from barges or from the countryside into city centers for sale or bullfights needed an easy way to move their precious animals. While transporting cattle in order to sell them at the market, men would try to speed the process by hurrying their cattle using tactics of fear and excitement. After years of this practice, the transportation and hurrying began to turn into a competition, as young adults would attempt to race in front of the bulls and make it safely to their pens without being overtaken. When the popularity of this practice increased and was noticed more and more by the expanding population of Spanish cities, a tradition was created and stands to this day
History of the Bulls
Cattle herders who wanted to transport their animals from barges or the countryside into city centers for sale or bullfights needed a practical means of moving their valuable animals. Over the years, it became tradition to clear a narrow swath into the city center, through which the spirited animals would run together into a crudely-constructed pen or bullring, following one courageous herder.
In Pamplona, this bull run was the easiest way to transport the animals from the city corral to the Plaza de Toros, or bullfighting ring. The beasts would tear across a half-mile stretch of narrow roads, as townspeople goaded them on with sticks and loud shouts.
According to an article published in TIME magazine in 1937, the practice of running ahead of the bulls to steer them toward the ring was established long before the San Fermin fiesta. Just when local residents started racing in front of the herd is still up for debate, though researchers believe the history of bull running in Spain started in the 1800’s.