• The first San Fermin bull-running celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic struck began with a bang.
• In 2020 and 2021, the yearly event was postponed because of coronavirus restrictions.
• However, animal rights activists want it permanently outlawed.

The first San Fermin bull-running celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic struck began with a bang. As thousands of revellers dressed in white and scarlet swarmed the streets of Pamplona, Spain.

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The red wine and sangria that are served freely during the eight-day festival made famous by Ernest Hemingway’s book “The Sun Also Rises” did not damper the mood. Of the sea of people packed the northern city’s Townhall Square despite a light drizzle.

In 2020 and 2021, the yearly event was postponed because of coronavirus restrictions. However, animal rights activists want it permanently outlawed. Many participants dance all night long while drinking.

The races, which begin on Thursday and last for a week, including the weekend, when they are typically more dangerous due to larger crowds, include six specially bred fighting bulls chasing runners through the Old Quarter of Pamplona for a distance of 800 metres (0.5 miles).

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There are a total of eight runs, and each one typically lasts three to five minutes. They come to a conclusion in the bullring, where the animals are caged before being killed when they resurface in the evening bullfight.

Bullfighting is archaic, chanted dozens of animal rights protesters on Tuesday in Pamplona while dressed as dinosaurs.

The festival poses risks to people as well. Over the years, at least 16 runners have perished, with a bull goring the final victim in 2009.