Running of the bulls

Images from some of the first runs this year in Pamplona, Spain

There’s no better time to be in a foreign land than during the festivals because when a country comes out to celebrate, it lets you into the heart and mind of its culture. Every culture has its own…

Don't miss your chance to experience the San Fermines Festival and the Running of the Bulls. Here's how to get the best spot to see the event.

Check out my summer in Spain, from wine battles to running with bulls, it's been anything but boring

A participant runs in front of Fuente Ymbro fighting bulls at Curva Estafeta on the sixth day of the San Fermin Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.

The highlight of the festival is the daily bull run, where participants run through the narrow streets of the town with a pack of bulls chasing them. The event lasts for just a few minutes but draws thousands of tourists from around the world. The festival also includes traditional events such as the opening ceremony, bullfights, fireworks, and music concerts. Despite its popularity, the event has been criticized for animal cruelty and safety concerns for both participants and bulls.

Several thousand thrill-seekers ran alongside six fighting bulls through the streets of the Spanish city of Pamplona on the first day of the running of the bulls.

Dennis Clancey is producing a film in Pamplona. Andy Bell is there to star in a viral ad. Both have decided that it's a fantastic idea to run as close to gore-happy bulls' deadly horns as they can, eight days in a row. Even 16 mojitos deep, Hemingway would be proud.

When planning a trip to northern Spain in July, don't miss the annual San Fermin Festival and bull run in Pamplona from July 6 to 14 each year.