Bull pamplona: injured and chaos at the festival for San Fermín!

Bull pamplona: injured and chaos at the festival for San Fermín!

Pamplona, Spanien - In the bullfar runs as part of the Sanfermín festival in Pamplona, Spain, there were several injuries on July 12, 2025. Five people were injured in the sixth bull run of the festival, with four of them to be taken to the hospital. Another runner received a supply on site. The route of the bull runs extends over more than 800 meters to the bullfighting arena and is known for their narrow streets and numerous curves where there was repeated falling. Many participants try to use the horns or back on the horns during the run, which leads to critical situations. A RTVE commentator critically commented on the violations of rules of conduct, which affect both stopping on the horns and inadequate security in the arena

The Sanfermín festival, which is celebrated in honor of the city saint San Fermín, has a long tradition since the end of the 16th century. The celebrations last eight days in the first half of July, with six fighter bulls and several tame gevils being chased through the old town. The bullfights that take place in the evening usually end with the death of the bulls through the hand of a toreros.

First hornstream injury this year

In the current year, a participant was injured for the first time by a hornstream. The 38-year-old Spaniard suffered a stab wound in the right armpit, but is in stable condition. A total of seven other men were brought to the hospital with bruises and bruises. The combat bull "Caminante", which weighs a little more than 575 kg, caused panic by refusing to participate in the arena and attacked numerous runners. The bull run took unusually long - 5 minutes and 22 seconds - which is about twice as long as usual.

Since 1924 there have been a total of 16 fatalities in these bull runs, the last in 2009. Despite these protests, the festival is attracting more and more tourists from different countries, including from Spain, Europe, the USA and Australia. Cultural events such as concerts and processions are also part of the celebrations.

The Sanfermín festival is not only shaped by the tradition of bulls, but also by its presentation in the literature, especially in the novel "Fiesta" by Ernest Hemingway. With a high number of runners who often take part in traditional white clothing with a red neckerchief and red sash, the event remains a fascinating but not harmless spectacle.