ECOLOGY AND ENERGY PRODUCTION

ECOLOGY AND ENERGY PRODUCTION

Thursday, June 11, 2015

VIVA SAN FERMIN:THE SUN ALSO RISESVIVA SAN FERMIN:THE SUN ALSO RISES

 

 

 

VIVA SAN FERMIN: THE SUN ALSO RISESThe chupinazo rocket is launched at noon from the city hall balcony, with thousands of people below in the city hall square. The person who sets it off is decided by the mayor      

It is the Spanish festival made famous by Ernest Hemingway, and San Fermin kicked off its 2014 celebrations with a traditional wine-soaked party in Pamplona.

Tourists packed out the city's central square, throwing wine and cheering as the Pamplona mayor fired a 'chupinazo' - rocket - to declare the nine-day fiesta underway.

The fiesta, which sees thrill-seeking locals and tourists run down the historic streets chased by bulls ahead of a bloody bullfight, was the subject of Hemingway's 1926 novel Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises.

The massive crowd roared when they heard the midday Chupinazo rocket fired - announcing the start of the festival which will continue for nine days

+41

The massive crowd roared when they heard the midday Chupinazo rocket fired - announcing the start of the festival which will continue for nine days.

With his wife Hadley, Hemingway first visited the Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain in 1923, where he became fascinated by bullfighting.[5] The Hemingways returned to Pamplona in 1924—enjoying the trip immensely—this time accompanied by Chink Dorman-Smith, John Dos Passos, and Donald Ogden Stewart and his wife.[6] The couple returned a third time in June 1925; that year they brought with them a different group of American and British expatriates: Hemingway'sMichigan boyhood friend Bill Smith, Stewart, Lady Duff Twysden (recently divorced), her lover Pat Guthrie, and Harold Loeb.[7] In Pamplona the group quickly disintegrated. Hemingway, attracted to Lady Duff, was jealous of Loeb, who had recently been on a romantic getaway with her; by the end of the week the two men had a public fistfight. Against this background was the influence of the young matador from Ronda, Cayetano Ordóñez, whose brilliance in the bullring affected the spectators. Ordóñez honored Hemingway's wife Hadley by presenting her, from the bullring, with the ear of a bull he killed. Outside of Pamplona, the fishing trip to the Irati River (near Burguete in Navarre) was marred by polluted water.

Hemingway intended to write a non-fiction book about bullfighting but thought that the week's experiences had presented him with enough material for a novel.[6] A few days after the fiesta ended, on his birthday (21 July), he began to write the draft of what would become The Sun Also Rises, finishing eight weeks later.[8] By 17 August, with 14 chapters written and a working title of Fiesta chosen, Hemingway returned to Paris. He finished the draft on 21 September 1925, writing a foreword the following weekend and changing the title to The Lost Generation.

A few months later, in December 1925, the Hemingways left to spend the winter in Schruns, Austria, where Hemingway began revising the manuscript extensively. Pauline Pfeiffer joined them in January and against Hadley's advice urged him to sign a contract with Scribner's. He left Austria for a quick trip to New York to meet with the publishers, and on his return, during a stop in Paris, began an affair with Pauline, before returning to Schruns to finish the revisions in March.

 

In June, he was in Pamplona with Hadley and Pauline. On their return to Paris, Hadley asked for a separation and left for the south of France.[11]In August, alone in Paris, he completed the proofs, and dedicated the novel to his wife and son.[12] After the publication of the book in October, Hadley asked for a divorce, and he gave her the royalties from The Sun Also Rises

Despite his fancy attire, this partygoer didn't appear too concerned about the red wine which will stain his suit in the days to come

+41

Despite his fancy attire, this partygoer didn't appear too concerned about the red wine which will stain his suit in the days to come

This is the eye-watering moment a man was gored by a bull after falling to the ground as the traditional running of the bulls festivals got underway with the first of the runs being held across Spain today.

The bull charged at the man and attacked him with its horns as he lay on the ground, surrounded by concerned onlookers.

The shocking moment occurred during the Bous a la Mar (Bulls in the Sea) festival, in Denia, near Alicanta, on the eastern coast of Spain, in which men emerge from protective barriers and encourage bulls to chase them.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

A man is gored by a bull after falling to the ground during the traditional 'Bous a la Mar' (Bulls in the Sea) festival in the eastern Spanish coastal town of Denia

+19

A man is gored by a bull after falling to the ground during the traditional 'Bous a la Mar' (Bulls in the Sea) festival in the eastern Spanish coastal town of Denia

The bull uses its horns to attack the man as he lies helpless on the ground, surrounded by onlookers

+19

The bull uses its horns to attack the man as he lies helpless on the ground, surrounded by onlookers

Enlarge

One of the onlookers bravely steps forward to help the man as the bull continues to attack him

+19

One of the onlookers bravely steps forward to help the man as the bull continues to attack him

The bulls pushes the man forward as the crowd watches on in the town of Denia

+19

The bulls pushes the man forward as the crowd watches on in the town of Denia

The festival was taking place as thousands of runners raced alongside fighting bulls through the streets of the northern Spanish city of Pamplona.

Jose Aldaba, a spokesman for Spain's Red Cross, said four people were taken to a city hospital for injuries sustained in the 8am run, the first of the annual San Fermin festival, which is now in its second day. One was gored in the thigh.

A statement from the Navarra regional government said all four were Spanish but none was in serious condition. The controversial running of the bulls festival sees people racing with the bulls along a narrow 850 metre course from a holding pen to the city bull ring.

The run itself lasted just over two minutes.

Dozens of people are injured each year in the 'encierros,' as the runs are called in Spanish. Most get hurt in falls.

 

Part of the fun of the festival is the water fight, or more accurately, the wine fight, which takes place in Pamplona to mark the start of the festivities

+41

Part of the fun of the festival is the water fight, or more accurately, the wine fight, which takes place in Pamplona to mark the start of the festivities

Michael Hemingway, pictured, was spotted taking photos at the festival made famous by his great-grandfather Ernest Hemingway in his book 'The Sun Also Rises'

+41

Michael Hemingway, pictured, was spotted taking photos at the festival made famous by his great-grandfather Ernest Hemingway in his book 'The Sun Also Rises'

Revellers hold up their red handkerchiefs to celebrate the opening of the festival most well known for the bloody Running of the Bulls, where people are often gored

+41

Revellers hold up their red handkerchiefs to celebrate the opening of the festival most well known for the bloody Running of the Bulls, where people are often gored

Participants leave the festival drenched after thousands of buckets of red wine and water are thrown from the balconies in the streets of Pamplona

+41

Participants leave the festival drenched after thousands of buckets of red wine and water are thrown from the balconies in the streets of Pamplona

Thousands of tourists attend San Fermin every year, with the dangerous Running of the Bulls often the highlight for adrenaline junkies willing to be chased by angry bulls

+41

Thousands of tourists attend San Fermin every year, with the dangerous Running of the Bulls often the highlight for adrenaline junkies willing to be chased by angry bulls

The celebration begins with locals declaring 'Viva San Fermin! Gora San Fermin!', which means 'long live San Fermin', in both Spanish and Basque

+41

The celebration begins with locals declaring 'Viva San Fermin! Gora San Fermin!', which means 'long live San Fermin', in both Spanish and Basque

Although the festival itself dates back centuries, that hasn't prevented modern elements creeping in - as seen here by revellers armed with water pistols

+41

Although the festival itself dates back centuries, that hasn't prevented modern elements creeping in - as seen here by revellers armed with water pistols

Although it attracts a large number of young tourist partygoers, the San Fermin festival is an annual event steeped in tradition which is enjoyed by all

+41

Although it attracts a large number of young tourist partygoers, the San Fermin festival is an annual event steeped in tradition which is enjoyed by all

The chupinazo rocket is launched at noon from the city hall balcony, with thousands of people below in the city hall square. The person who sets it off is decided by the mayor

+41

The chupinazo rocket is launched at noon from the city hall balcony, with thousands of people below in the city hall square. The person who sets it off is decided by the mayor

More than 1,000,000 people attend the event every year. And it is no surprise - it is arguably one of the most well known annual festivals in the world

+41

More than 1,000,000 people attend the event every year. And it is no surprise - it is arguably one of the most well known annual festivals in the world

Basque celebration: The San Fermin festival celebrates the patron saint of the Spanish region of Navarra

+41

Basque celebration: The San Fermin festival celebrates the patron saint of the Spanish region of Navarra

Locking lips: A couple of revellers kiss as the celebrations get underway in the Navarra city of Pamplona

+41

Locking lips: A couple of revellers kiss as the celebrations get underway in the Navarra city of Pamplona

Party time: Festival-goes try to keep control of their wine-soaked clothes as thousands dance in the main square

+41

Party time: Festival-goes try to keep control of their wine-soaked clothes as thousands dance in the main square

Sea of red: The main square in Pamplona sees thousands upon thousands of tourists and locals packed in to begin the festivties

+41

Sea of red: The main square in Pamplona sees thousands upon thousands of tourists and locals packed in to begin the festivties

Basque tradition: San Fermin is the patron saint of the Basque country and is celebrated every July

+41

Basque tradition: San Fermin is the patron saint of the Basque country and is celebrated every July

In for a soaking: Festival-goers dressed in traditional attire can expect to be covered head to toe in wine by the end of the day

+41

In for a soaking: Festival-goers dressed in traditional attire can expect to be covered head to toe in wine by the end of the day

Fiest: The party begins with the 'Chupinazo', a rockets that is fired to kick off the festivities

+41

Fiest: The party begins with the 'Chupinazo', a rockets that is fired to kick off the festivities

Cheers: Revellers throw wine during the first day of the 14-day festival made famous by the 1926 novel of US writer Ernest Hemingway

+41

Cheers: Revellers throw wine during the first day of the 14-day festival made famous by the 1926 novel of US writer Ernest Hemingway

Celebrating the Spanish region of Navarra's patron saint - San Fermin - the festival attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world, who join in throwing wine, running the streets with the bulls and watch the traditional bullfights.

The celebration begins with locals declaring 'Viva San Fermin! Gora San Fermin!', which means 'long live San Fermin', in both Spanish and Basque.

And the reason for the running of the bulls, which sees them thunder along the city's historic streets, was traditionally born out of necessity as the corral where they are kept is 900 yards (825 metres) away from the bullring.

Standing proud: Revellers hold up their red handkerchiefs during the opening day or 'Chupinazo', of the San Fermin Running of the Bulls fiesta

+41

Standing proud: Revellers hold up their red handkerchiefs during the opening day or 'Chupinazo', of the San Fermin Running of the Bulls fiesta

National pride: Sporting the traditional Basque berets - known as boinas - as well as red neckerchiefs and white costumes, locals perform during the 'chupinazo'

+41

National pride: Sporting the traditional Basque berets - known as boinas - as well as red neckerchiefs and white costumes, locals perform during the 'chupinazo'

Man down: A youg US reveller lies unconscious after jumping from the top of the Navarreria fountain after the rocket fire

+41

Man down: A youg US reveller lies unconscious after jumping from the top of the Navarreria fountain after the rocket fire

Water and wine are thrown from the balconies to soak the revellers below in the main square

+41

Water and wine are thrown from the balconies to soak the revellers below in the main square

Wine-soaked: The festival, which is steeped in tradition, has become a magnet for young holidaymakers from around the world

+41

Wine-soaked: The festival, which is steeped in tradition, has become a magnet for young holidaymakers from around the world

Tradition: Revellers wear the red and white costumes of the San Fermin festival in order to take part in the celebrations

+41

Tradition: Revellers wear the red and white costumes of the San Fermin festival in order to take part in the celebrations

En masse: The main square of the city's Town Hall fills with thousands of festival-goers as the San Fermin fiesta is declared officially open

+41

En masse: The main square of the city's Town Hall fills with thousands of festival-goers as the San Fermin fiesta is declared officially open

 

In the net: Revellers throw empty bottles at a balcony as part of the 'basket-wine' game while waiting for the traditional celebration of the 'chupinazo' rocket firing In the net: Revellers throw empty bottles at a balcony as part of the 'basket-wine' game while waiting for the traditional celebration of the 'chupinazo' rocket firing

In the net: Revellers throw empty bottles at a balcony as part of the 'basket-wine' game while waiting for the traditional celebration of the 'chupinazo' rocket firing

Seeing red: The festival-goers finish the primary event completely soaked in wine

+41

Seeing red: The festival-goers finish the primary event completely soaked in wine

Every year, tourists descend on the town to join in with the run, which takes place down Calle Santo Domingo after a rocket is fired to mark the church clock striking 8am.

Each year there are injuries, with runners gored and there have also been fatalities in the festival's long history.

As the festivities got underway, protesters also took to the streets, demonstrating against the killing of the bulls as part of the fiesta.

Covered in fake blood and carrying signs saying: 'You run, bulls die', animal rights protesters aimed to shame tourists who fly in to take part in the historic festival.

Wearing the famous white and red costumes of the San Fermin festival, protesters displayed 'bloody' hands and had their faces painted like the Grim Reaper.

They also carried the 'you run, bulls die' signs in multiple languages so that tourists from around the world who descend on the city each year to take part in the fiesta understood the message.

Tight squeeze: A woman gets crushed as thousands pack into the square to sing and dance together at the beginning of the festival

+41

Tight squeeze: A woman gets crushed as thousands pack into the square to sing and dance together at the beginning of the festival

Patron saint: The celebrations see Pamploneses - locals of Pamplona - wearing neck ties in blood red

+41

Patron saint: The celebrations see Pamploneses - locals of Pamplona - wearing neck ties in blood red

And so it begins: The Pamplona celebrations have kicked off in the same way throughout its long history

+41

And so it begins: The Pamplona celebrations have kicked off in the same way throughout its long history

Kirsty Henderson, campaign coordinator for Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), said: 'Many of the tourists who come to Pamplona to run with the bulls have no idea that they are participating in a festival that celebrates the torture and death of these magnificent animals, and if they did, most would undoubtedly run the other way.

'We're here to ask thrill seekers to find another way to get their kicks that doesn't involve harming animals.'

The protest comes after actress Gemma Atkinson joined a campaign to discourage tourists from taking part in the annual Pamplona Bull Run. The Casualty beauty has long been a campaigner for animal rights and threw her weight behind the campaign to abolish Spain's traditional bull fights.

The new film featuring Atkinson, called Pamplona Running of the Bulls, is designed to inform tourists and discourage them from participating in the bull running and fighting event.

Pride: The Basque flag, similar to the Union Jack but in red, white and green - is held up during the 'chupinazo'

+41

Pride: The Basque flag, similar to the Union Jack but in red, white and green - is held up during the 'chupinazo'

It started with a song: Musicians play as revelers hold up their hands during the launch of the 'chupinazo' rocket

+41

It started with a song: Musicians play as revelers hold up their hands during the launch of the 'chupinazo' rocket

Party time: The festival attracts young tourists from around the world to join in its hedonistic celebrations

+41

Party time: The festival attracts young tourists from around the world to join in its hedonistic celebrations

Wine selfie: Revellers snap a picture of themselves in amongst the madness of the main square

+41

Wine selfie: Revellers snap a picture of themselves in amongst the madness of the main square

The animal lover said: 'It sickens me that festivals involving the torture and killing of animals, such as the Pamplona Bull Run, are still being promoted as acceptable tourist attractions.

'Contrary to what is often portrayed in the media, there is absolutely nothing macho or brave about abusing and killing animals.'

The League Against Cruel Sports has appealed to holiday company STA Travel to end its promotion and package deals to the San Fermin Running of the Bulls festival.

The animal welfare charity is calling on the travel provider to stop supporting the abuse of animals in the name entertainment and tradition after this year’s trips, in order to meet with ABTA’s Animal Welfare Guidelines.

Multilingual: The protesters carried signs in multiple languages during the demonstraton

+41

Multilingual: The protesters carried signs in multiple languages during the demonstraton

 

Protest: Peta was behind the demonstration, which saw animal rights campaigners descend on the centre of Pamplona Strong message: The protesters gathered just before the San Fermin festival kicked off

Protest: Peta was behind the demonstration, which saw animal rights campaigners descend on the centre of Pamplona wearing traditional costume or going topless

Demonstration: Going topless or wearing the traditional San Fermin costume in white and red, the protesters carried signs as they walked through the streets

+41

Demonstration: Going topless or wearing the traditional San Fermin costume in white and red, the protesters carried signs as they walked through the streets

According to the guidelines, of which STA has signed up to, ‘Bullfighting and bull running’ are deemed ‘unacceptable practice involving animals in cultural events and activities.’

Joe Duckworth, chief executive of the League said: 'Bull running and bullfighting are sickeningly cruel and barbaric practices, and they have no place in a modern society.

'Tourism plays a major part in the continuation of bullfighting and the exploitation of the animals, who are simply being abused and killed for entertainment is truly shocking.

'As rightly pointed out by ABTA, travel companies have a responsibility to the welfare of animals in tourism, a responsibility that can no longer be shirked - which is why we want to see 2014 as the last year STA support this abhorrent activity.'

Other travel companies have dropped their promotion of the San Fermin festival in recent years, including Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways as well as Thomas Cook and Brittany Ferries.

 

 

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo looks at himself in a mirror while getting dressed for a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighters are usually dressed by their best men, and assistant named \'mozo de espadas\', a ritual usually undertaken in silence and in a ceremonial manner. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo looks at himself in a mirror while getting dressed for a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighters are usually dressed by their best men, and assistant named 'mozo de espadas', a ritual usually undertaken in silence and in a ceremonial manner. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, pictures depicting religious images are placed on a table inside Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo hotel room as he prepares for a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighters are usually dressed by their best men, and assistant named \'mozo de espadas\', a ritual usually undertaken in silence and in a ceremonial manner. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, pictures depicting religious images are placed on a table inside Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo hotel room as he prepares for a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighters are usually dressed by their best men, and assistant named 'mozo de espadas', a ritual usually undertaken in silence and in a ceremonial manner. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo\'s younger brother, Gonzalo Lorenzo, looks at his brother\'s jacket in their hotel room before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo's younger brother, Gonzalo Lorenzo, looks at his brother's jacket in their hotel room before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo, center, is dressed by his assistants for a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighters are usually dressed by their best men, and assistant named \'mozo de espadas\', a ritual usually undertaken in silence and in a ceremonial manner. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo, center, is dressed by his assistants for a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighters are usually dressed by their best men, and assistant named 'mozo de espadas', a ritual usually undertaken in silence and in a ceremonial manner. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo looks at himself in a mirror while getting dressed for a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighters are usually dressed by their best men, and assistant named \'mozo de espadas\', a ritual usually undertaken in silence and in a ceremonial manner. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo looks at himself in a mirror while getting dressed for a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighters are usually dressed by their best men, and assistant named 'mozo de espadas', a ritual usually undertaken in silence and in a ceremonial manner. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo prays before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo prays before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo adjusts his montera hat before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo adjusts his montera hat before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Enrique Ponce prays inside the bullring\'s chapel before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Enrique Ponce prays inside the bullring's chapel before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo\'s suit reflects golden spots on the wall as he waits with an assistant to do the \'paseillo\' or ritual entrance to the arena before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo's suit reflects golden spots on the wall as he waits with an assistant to do the 'paseillo' or ritual entrance to the arena before a bullfight with Alcurrucen ranch fighting bulls in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs with an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight  in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs with an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs with an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight  in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs with an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs with an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight  in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs with an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs with an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight  in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo performs with an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo uses his sword to kill an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight  in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo uses his sword to kill an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull bleeds during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull bleeds during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Enrique Ponce aims his sword to kill an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Enrique Ponce aims his sword to kill an Alcurrucen ranch fighting bull during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo leaves the bullring on the shoulders of supporters after and extraordinary performance on a bullfight  in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Only after extraordinary performances bullfighters are allowed to be carried on the shoulders of supporters. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, Spanish bullfighter Alvaro Lorenzo leaves the bullring on the shoulders of supporters after and extraordinary performance on a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Only after extraordinary performances bullfighters are allowed to be carried on the shoulders of supporters. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Description of . In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, an image depicting a religious scene embroidered in a capote, or bullfighters cape, is displayed during a bullfight  in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

In this photo taken Saturday, May 30, 2015, an image depicting a religious scene embroidered in a capote, or bullfighters cape, is displayed during a bullfight in Aranjuez, near Madrid, Spain. Bullfighting is an ancient tradition in Spain. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

 

A fighting bull has gored two people and spread panic in a hair-raising final running of the bulls at Spain's San Fermin festival.

Hundreds of people dashed alongside the six bulls through the cobblestone streets of Pamplona in Monday's eighth run.

There were spine-chilling moments when one bull, named Olivito, separated from the pack and charged three runners, two Australians and a Spaniard, pinning them against walls and barriers while trying to gore them.

Scroll down for video

Gory: A Miura fighting bull gores a runner, believed to be a 26-year-old Australian, through the thigh during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin festival, in Pamplona

+16

Gory: A Miura fighting bull gores a runner, believed to be a 26-year-old Australian, through the thigh during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin festival, in Pamplona

The 595kg bull became separated from the herd after it slipped and crashed headlong into a wall. Seeming disorientated, it then charged a group of runners who thought they had avoided the stampede.

It then set its sights on one young man, believed to be a 26-year-old Australian called J.G., repeatedly butting him and pinning him against a wall.

As the man lifted his legs in a bid to protect himself from the onslaught, the bull thrust one of its horns through his left thigh, tearing off a large chunk of flesh.

He managed to escape to safety behind a wooden barrier, but not before the furious bull gored him again as he clambered over the fence at which point he was taken to hospital for surgery. Festival spokeswoman Lucinda Poole described his condition as 'grave' having suffered injuries to his chest, abdomen and his left thigh.

'He is being operated on in traumatology in the hospital complex and they say the condition is grave, which translated to English probably means extremely serious,' Ms Poole said.

The regional government of Navarra said a 24-year-old Australian man known only as J.M., from Grenfell in New South Wales, was also gored in the right thigh but is reportedly doing well and is due to be released from hospital. A 21-year-old Spaniard from Navarra was also gored three times.

 

Bull baiting: One of the bulls broke away from the others and charged several runners, lifting two of them off the ground on its horns and ripping through their legs

+16

Bull baiting: One of the bulls broke away from the others and charged several runners, lifting two of them off the ground on its horns and ripping through their legs

Fierce: The bull attacked the man with such ferocity that he sent bits of wall flying as he rammed the helpless participant

+16

Fierce: The bull attacked the man with such ferocity that he sent bits of wall flying as he rammed the helpless participant

+16

Fierce: The bull attacked the man with such ferocity that he sent bits of wall flying as he rammed the helpless participant

Focused: The bull set his attention on this one reveler, who stood little chance against its mighty horns

+16

Focused: The bull set his attention on this one reveler, who stood little chance against its mighty horns

Angry: This runner was particularly unfortunate as the bull managed to put its horn straight through his leg

+16

Angry: This runner was particularly unfortunate as the bull managed to put its horn straight through his leg

Navarra hospital's Dr. Oscar Gorria said two men were gored in the legs. He said five people were also hospitalized for other injuries. There were no immediate details on their identities.

Several men have already been gored by bulls during this year's festival but Monday's run, the eighth and last, was particularly brutal.

One of the six bulls broke away from the others and charged several runners, lifting two of them off the ground on its horns and ripping through their legs.

Other participants tried to distract the bull and eventually herded it into the ring. The runs usually last between three to five minutes, and the bulls then appear in an evening bullfight, when they are killed.

The 26-year-old ran at the first chance he got, but not before the bull thrust one of its horns through his left thigh, tearing off a large chunk of flesh

+16

The 26-year-old ran at the first chance he got, but not before the bull thrust one of its horns through his left thigh, tearing off a large chunk of flesh

Agony: The man managed to escape and he was pictured running with a severe injury to his left thigh

+16

Agony: The man managed to escape and he was pictured running with a severe injury to his left thigh

Pinned down: But the bull again caught the man and pinned him to a barrier as others tried to ward him off

+16

Pinned down: But the bull again caught the man and pinned him to a barrier as others tried to ward him off

Lucky escape: Finally, with the help of a few police officers, the man managed to get behind the fence where he was promptly taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries

+16

Lucky escape: Finally, with the help of a few police officers, the man managed to get behind the fence where he was promptly taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries

The bull would not give up its hunt for the man who had so infuriated it and continued ramming him against the fence

+16

The bull would not give up its hunt for the man who had so infuriated it and continued ramming him against the fence

Five other men were injured in Monday's run.

Nine men were still in hospital on Sunday recovering from injuries from the past week, according to the Navarra region's hospital authorities.

One of them was Bill Hillmann, an American who co-wrote a book called 'Fiesta: How To Survive The Bulls of Pamplona'. He was gored in the thigh after he tripped and fell.

Many participants drink and dance all night before taking part in the 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) event, though local authorities have tried to clamp down on reckless behaviour in recent years.

Ouch! There were spine-chilling moments when one bull separated from the pack and charged three runners, pinning them against walls and barriers while trying to gore them

+16

Ouch! There were spine-chilling moments when one bull separated from the pack and charged three runners, pinning them against walls and barriers while trying to gore them

Stampede: Hundreds of people dashed alongside the herd of bulls through the cobblestone streets of Pamplona in Monday's eighth run

+16

Stampede: Hundreds of people dashed alongside the herd of bulls through the cobblestone streets of Pamplona in Monday's eighth run

Brutal: Several men have already been gored by bulls during this year's festival but Monday's run, the eighth and last, was particularly brutal

+16

Brutal: Several men have already been gored by bulls during this year's festival but Monday's run, the eighth and last, was particularly brutal

Dangerous selfie: Spanish media said over the weekend that Pamplona police were looking for a young man who was seen trying to get a dangerous 'selfie' photo of himself on his phone as he ran inches in front of the bulls

+16

Dangerous selfie: Spanish media said over the weekend that Pamplona police were looking for a young man who was seen trying to get a dangerous 'selfie' photo of himself on his phone as he ran inches in front of the bulls

Tradition: The fiesta dates back to the 13th century and was depicted in Ernest Hemingway's novel 'The Sun Also Rises'

+16

Tradition: The fiesta dates back to the 13th century and was depicted in Ernest Hemingway's novel 'The Sun Also Rises'

Spanish media said over the weekend that Pamplona police were looking for a young man who was seen trying to get a dangerous 'selfie' photo of himself on his phone as he ran inches in front of the bulls.

He could be fined up to 3,000 euros ($4,100) if they find he endangered other runners.

A 27-year-old man from Madrid was the last person to be killed during a Pamplona bull run after being gored in the neck in 2009. There have been 14 fatalities over the past century at the fiesta, which dates back to the 13th century and was depicted in Ernest Hemingway's novel 'The Sun Also Rises'.

 

No comments: