Running of the Bulls (San Fermin)

The Running of the Bulls (encierro) is the centrepiece of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, held each July 7-14, in which six fighting bulls are released through 825 metres of narrow cobblestone streets, pursued by thousands of white-clad, red-scarfed runners in a dangerous eight-minute dash. Made internationally famous by Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel 'The Sun Also Rises', the festival draws over one million visitors each year. The tradition dates back to the 14th century and remains deeply controversial due to animal welfare concerns.