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The Running of the Bulls is an event held in Spain, southern France, and some areas

of Mexico. It originated as a way to transport bulls to the bullring, where they are

typically killed after the bullfight on the same day. The most renowned celebration

takes place every July during the San Fermín Festival in Pamplona, Navarre. This

event gained international fame through Hemingway's novel "The Sun Also Rises."

Participants usually wear all white with red scarves around their necks and run

alongside the bulls to showcase their courage.

The Running of the Bulls originated in the early 14th century in northeastern Spain.

Farmers needed to move their cattle from the countryside to the town centers for sale

or participation in bullfights. To quicken the pace, they would scare the bulls, while

young men would run alongside them. Over the years, this practice turned into an

informal competition, where the young men would run in front of the bulls to speed

them up. They did this to showcase their bravery and to stay safe by avoiding being

hit or overtaken by the bulls. As this daring act gained popularity and fame, other

cities took notice, and it evolved into a tradition that continues to this day.

In Europe, the festivals are used to be part of summer celebrations. The running herd

usually consists of six bulls, though sometimes there are more than ten, and they

charge through specific routes in the town's streets. Most of the bulls released are

males. The most famous bull-running festival is the Encierro, held during the nine￾

day San Fermín Festival in Pamplona, in honor of Saint Fermin, the city's patron

saint. This event has evolved from its traditional roots into a major international

tourist attraction. Outside of Pamplona, similar festivals occur in towns across Spain,

Portugal, Mexico, and southern France.

Although there is no official dress code, participants traditionally wear white pants

and shirts, with red sashes around their waists and red scarves around their necks to

honor San Fermin. The white clothing represents the saint's purity, while the red scarf

symbolizes his martyrdom by beheading. Some runners choose to wear blue outfits,

and others may add large emblems to their shirts.