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IN PHOTOS: 5 bizarre facts about Spain's bullfighting festival

Updated On: 09 July, 2024 11:06 AM IST | Social Media

Spaniards gathered on Saturday morning to mark the annual bullfighting festival also known as, The San Fermín festival, which takes place in Pamplona, to honour Saint Fermín. The saint was an early Christian martyr and the first bishop of Pamplona, believed to have been decapitated in the 3rd century. In his memory, the festival features the famous Running of the Bulls, where participants race through the streets with bulls. Here are 5 strange facts you didn't know about this famous festival

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Participants drink wine during the "Chupinazo" (start rocket) opening ceremony to mark the kick-off of the San Fermin bull Festival outside the Town Hall of Pamplona in northern Spain. Pic/AFP

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Participants drink wine during the "Chupinazo" (start rocket) opening ceremony to mark the kick-off of the San Fermin bull Festival outside the Town Hall of Pamplona in northern Spain. Pic/AFP
In traditional Spanish bullfighting, matadors are sometimes awarded the ears (and occasionally the tail) of the bull as a trophy if they perform exceptionally well, a practice that has been in place for centuries

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In traditional Spanish bullfighting, matadors are sometimes awarded the ears (and occasionally the tail) of the bull as a trophy if they perform exceptionally well, a practice that has been in place for centuries

The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is an integral part of the festival, where participants run in front of a group of bulls through narrow streets. Injuries are common, with an average of 50-100 people getting hurt each year and occasional fatalities

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The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is an integral part of the festival, where participants run in front of a group of bulls through narrow streets. Injuries are common, with an average of 50-100 people getting hurt each year and occasional fatalities

Matadors wear elaborate, custom-made outfits called "traje de luces" (suit of lights) that can cost thousands of euros. These outfits are heavily embroidered and can weigh up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds)

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Matadors wear elaborate, custom-made outfits called "traje de luces" (suit of lights) that can cost thousands of euros. These outfits are heavily embroidered and can weigh up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds)

Some bulls that display exceptional bravery and fighting spirit can be retired to stud farms, gaining a sort of celebrity status. Their names and achievements are often remembered and celebrated long after their deaths

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Some bulls that display exceptional bravery and fighting spirit can be retired to stud farms, gaining a sort of celebrity status. Their names and achievements are often remembered and celebrated long after their deaths

In Pamplona's San Fermín festival, it's a tradition for some participants to drench themselves in wine before the running of the bulls. This ritual, known as the "Encierro," involves revelers spraying each other with wine, creating a chaotic and celebratory atmosphere before the adrenaline-pumping event

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In Pamplona's San Fermín festival, it's a tradition for some participants to drench themselves in wine before the running of the bulls. This ritual, known as the "Encierro," involves revelers spraying each other with wine, creating a chaotic and celebratory atmosphere before the adrenaline-pumping event

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