Today marked the start of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, better known as the Running of the Bulls. Back in 2006, I traveled to Spain to both run and to photograph some of the San Fermin events. As a participant, you weren't suppose to run with anything, including camera or video equipment or backpacks of any kind. When I ran, I bought along a small 35 mm film camera and squeezed off a few shots. There was quite a bit of panic on the faces of runners behind me and that's when I knew it was time to run for my life. Fortunately, the bulls passed on a long and straight part of the route so I avoided the dangerous turns where most of the injuries occur. In 2006, there was one fatality, an American man, and several injuries.
I finished the entire route and ended up inside the Plaza de Toros (bullring) where I dodged a few bulls before calling it quits. This is where things get pretty wild and many runners get injured.
On the second day, I was in the Plaza as a photojournalist, shooting the action and some of my favorite images to date.
The day I ran, most of the other daredevils were American, British and European men, along with a few American women.
If you are going to run, get there early and scope out the route, you may need to make a quick exit. If you are an observer, don't where open toed shoes, there's tons of glass, alcohol and other unpleasant things to step in and injure your feet.
Running with the bulls was a wild experience and while do not recommend it, everyone should try to get to Pamplona for the festival. The party atmosphere could be second to none so be ready to celebrate.
Steve Matteo Photography, a Photojournalist Chicago, Wedding Photographers Chicago, Wedding Photography Chicago
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