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Revellers run with bulls from Fuente Ymbro ranch during the first day of the running of the bulls at the San Fermín fiestas in Pamplona, Spain, Monday, July 7, 2025.

Video. San Fermín Festival opens with first bull run in Pamplona

Updated:

Thousands of runners raced through the narrow, cobbled streets of Pamplona on Monday as the first bull run of Spain's San Fermín festival began.

Led by six steers, a group of bulls charged through the 846-metre course while up to 4,000 runners, dressed in white with red sashes, attempted the perilous dash.

Expert runners aimed to run inches from the bulls' horns, waving rolled newspapers to spur them on.

A few participants were injured, but it’s unclear if any were gored, according to Spanish media.

Each run ends in the bullring, where the animals are later killed during afternoon fights.

The event draws global attention but also growing criticism. Ahead of the festival, animal rights activists staged a protest, wearing horns and fake blood, calling for an end to bullfighting, which they describe as outdated and cruel.

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