Thousands of people gathered in Pamplona, Spain, this week for the traditional running of the bulls during the San Fermín festival [1].

The event remains one of the world's most famous cultural traditions, drawing global tourists to the medieval city to witness a centuries-old rite that honors the city's patron saint [2].

The festival opened July 6 with fireworks and celebrations [3]. The primary event involves the release of six bulls each day onto the narrow streets, where participants run ahead of the animals [4]. On July 7, the city saw the second day of these runs [5].

While the event is a major draw for tourism, it carries inherent risks. During the first day of the festival, five runners were injured [6]. Of those injured, three runners were taken to the hospital for treatment [7].

Organizers typically schedule the festival to run from July 7 to July 14 each year [4]. Despite the risk of injury and ongoing protests regarding the tradition, the event continues to attract thousands of participants who navigate the streets alongside the charging bulls [1], [3].

The tradition has also gained international literary fame, notably through the works of Ernest Hemingway, which continue to inspire participants to visit northern Spain for the event [8].

“Six bulls are released each day of the running”

The San Fermín festival represents a tension between the preservation of cultural heritage and modern concerns regarding animal welfare and public safety. While the event generates significant tourism revenue and maintains local identity, the recurring injuries and protests highlight a growing global debate over the ethics of traditional blood sports.