San Fermin

   I went to the San Fermin festival two times this week. However, I only watched the Running of the Bulls once. After two days in San Fermin, I have to say that I am awed by the deeply rooted tradition that lies behind the event. It is hard to imagine that this event has been around for 500 or so years. I think that the custom of wearing red and white creates an interesting festival atmosphere. I was most surprised by the amount of trash that cluttered the city and the extremely rapid and efficient cleaning of the city before the race. I also enjoyed the insane amount of people; many people do not like big crowds, but I like the crazy atmosphere. I enjoyed meeting people from Spain, Australia, and Florida among others. I highly considered running with the bulls as I did not go with the excursion group. I think I may go back someday to do it, but I figured that this trip was not the time or the place to do it.
    I tried the churros con chocolate from a small cafeteria the morning after the Running of the Bulls. I must say, the hot chocolate impressed me the most because I was basically drinking melted chocolate. Also, the churros were warm and delicious, especially after a long, cold night. I also happy that the cost was only three euros for both the hot chocolate and churros.
   I believe the San Fermin is a cultural event that should not be changed. Though the treatment of the bulls is not stellar, the Spanish people in general have respect for the bulls. The entire event is not meant as a week of torture. It is a week of celebration, and it is that attitude that leads me to believe that the festival is okay. For example, when a man was being especially disrespectful towards a young bull in the stadium arena, other men pulled him off and began to beat him up. Also, in general, I am typically of the mindset that there are much more pressing issues concerning human rights. This fiesta will never exist in the United States because it  would be too controversial with animal rights.