Five injured during the running of the bulls in Pamplona: chaos and criticism of the spectacle!

Five injured during the running of the bulls in Pamplona: chaos and criticism of the spectacle!

A dramatic situation arose at the Sanfermín Bull Runs in Pamplona, ​​Spain, on July 12, 2025, when five runners were injured. The injuries occurred during the sixth running of the bulls of the popular festival, which has been celebrated since the late 16th century in honor of the city's saint, San Fermín. In total, four of the injured were taken to hospital, while another runner received treatment on site. The most common injuries resulted from falls in the narrow, winding streets that line the 800-meter route to the bullring. Worms newspaper reports that many of the male participants are frantically trying to run not only in front of but also alongside the six bulls.

These bullfights are one of the highlights of the festival, which sees six fighting bulls and several lead oxen parade through the old town every day. Dangerous moments often arise, especially after entering the arena, where individual runners could only just find refuge behind the barriers. This year there were also critical voices: one RTVE commentator expressed particular concern about the behavior of some participants who did not adhere to the rules of conduct. For example, holding on to the bulls' horns for too long and slow safety within the arena were considered problematic.

Worrying injuries

Particularly alarming was the injury of a 38-year-old man who was injured in the right armpit by a horn blast. Fortunately, he is in stable condition. In addition, seven other men had to be treated for bruises and bruises. One of the bulls, “Caminante,” caused panic when he refused to go into the arena and attacked runners. The entire spectacle lasted over five minutes, almost twice as long as usual. courier highlights that the narrowness of the streets often leads to further falls if someone falls.

Animal protection versus tradition

Despite the danger and ongoing criticism, especially from animal protection organizations such as Peta, the festival remains a tourist attraction. Animal rights activists repeatedly emphasize that the running of the bulls causes considerable animal suffering. Historically, there have been a total of 16 fatalities since 1924, with the last incident occurring in 2009. The festival remains popular and attracts visitors from all over the world, including many from the USA and Australia. Latest Baden news reports that the last running of the bulls this year will take place on July 14th.

So the question remains: How long can the organizers defy this centuries-old tradition while at the same time drawing more and more people's attention to the dangers and suffering? The answer to this will certainly be discussed in the coming days and weeks.