One man was seriously injured and seven others sustained slight traumas in the running of the bulls during Pamplona’s San Fermin festival, Reuters writes.
One of the traditions during the San Fermin festival is to run with bulls through the narrow, cobbled streets of the medieval city. The risk of injury does not deter thousands of people from the dangerous entertainment. The only information about the man who was seriously injured on the 8th of July is that he is over 25 years old. A spokeswoman for the town’s emergency services said the bull had gored the man in the right armpit with its horn. She indicated that the man is currently being monitored in hospital, but his condition is stable. Other victims suffered abrasions and bruises.
During the running of the bulls, bulls are released into the streets of the town, through which they run to the fighting arena. Hundreds of enthusiasts dressed in white shirts and red scarves run with the bulls.
On the morning of the 8th of July, one of the bulls stopped during the run and attacked participants.
Traditionally held in early July, the week-long festival gained international recognition after it was described by American writer Ernest Hemingway in his novel “The Sun Also Rises.”
In Spain, hundreds of runners are gored by the horns during the running of the bulls every year, and other injuries are not uncommon. At least 16 runners have died in the Pamplona running over the years, the last fatality being in 2009. In addition to the running of the bulls and the fights, the San Fermin festival features music, dancing and drinking around the clock.
Religious events in honor of the saint also take place at the same time.
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