Spanish media outlets have reported that at least nine people were injured during the fourth day of the annual San Fermín bull-running festival in the city of Pamplona. The event took place on Friday, July 10.
The news agency EFE reported that the fourth running of the festival proved to be a particularly dangerous day for participants. According to the report, some of those injured sustained serious wounds after being gored by bulls, while one person suffered a head injury.
The report added that several other participants were injured in their hands and legs after falling and being trampled by the bulls. A German national was also injured in the incident and suffered a fracture to his left upper arm.
EFE further reported that the fourth bull run of this year’s San Fermín festival lasted less than three minutes and was brought to an early end due to the occurrence of several incidents.
During the festival, bulls are first released onto the narrow, cobblestone streets of Pamplona, where thousands of participants run alongside them along a designated route as the animals make their way to the city’s main bullring, the Plaza de Toros de Pamplona.
After the run concludes, professional bullfighters take part in traditional bullfighting events at the arena. The competitions typically continue until the end of the festival, although in some cases, accidents lead to the suspension or early conclusion of the program.
The San Fermín festival is one of Spain’s most internationally recognized traditional events, attracting thousands of participants and tourists from across Spain and around the world to Pamplona every year. However, the festival has also faced ongoing criticism from animal rights groups.
During this year’s festival, a number of animal rights activists affiliated with the organization PETA held a protest against bullfighting. Carrying signs with slogans such as “Bullfighting is a sin,” the protesters condemned the tradition as a form of animal killing and called for an end to the practice.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
