The San Fermines festival, or the Running of the Bulls

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It began to commemorate the legend that San Fermín, the bishop of Pamplona, baptized over 40,000 Pagans in three days. Celebrations have occurred since the 12th century, and while they used to take place in the fall, it was mandated in 1591 that they happen in July instead. The festival begins on the 6th of July with the “txupinazo,” or a rocket fired from City Hall. The running of the bulls occurs from the 7th of July until the 14th, and this happens every morning beginning at 8 a.m. Those who decide to participate are chased by approximately six bulls for 800 meters until they reach the Plaza de Toros, or the bull ring. Throughout the festival, it is typical to see people wearing a white t-shirt with a red handkerchief. While the population of Pamplona is only about 200,000, the nine-day festival attracts over 1 million people annually.