Pamplona, Spain - July 07, 2024

The annual San Fermin festival kicked off with a thrilling but dangerous start as six individuals were injured during the first bull run in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Sunday, July 7. According to authorities from the Navarra region, five of the injuries were due to trauma sustained amidst the chaotic dash through the city streets, while a bull's horn gored one person.

Among the injured, a 54-year-old American from New York suffered trauma, highlighting the international participation in this iconic event. Additionally, a 37-year-old man from Navarre sustained a minor injury from a bull's horn.

Despite the challenges posed by the large crowd, the bull run proceeded without major incidents, although the bulls' entry into the bullring corrals was more challenging than usual due to the dense crowds.

The San Fermin bull run, famous globally due to Ernest Hemingway's writings, attracts participants and spectators alike, with hundreds of runners in traditional white attire and red scarves sprinting alongside the bulls each morning. The festival spans eight days of continuous festivities, including bullfights in the afternoons, drawing hundreds of thousands of revelers from around the world.

While the event is open to anyone over 18, authorities caution about its inherent risks, emphasizing safety amidst the traditional celebrations that have seen fatalities over the years, the last being in 2009.

The Sanfermines festival, renowned for its lively atmosphere of dancing, music, and cultural revelry, will continue until July 14th, marking a vibrant tradition deeply rooted in Spanish culture.