Spain and Portugal for Visitors

Posted by : John Ross on Jun 14, 2007 - 11:40 AM Fiestas

Pamplona's world-famous San Fermín fiestas and their encierros, bull runs, are just around the corner (July 6th-14th), so here is a reminder that San Fermín brings with it Spain's most entertaining annual protest. Now in its sixth year, the Running of the Nudes 2007 (July 5th, 1.00 p.m.) has become almost as traditional as the event it parodies and denounces. Last year it attracted over 1,000 protestors, "most wearing little more than a red scarf and horn," which is just dandy by me. More nudes news here.

The Running of the Nudes (with PETA slogan, "Out with the Old, In With the Nude"), follows the route of the bull run to "show the city (Pamplona) that it doesn’t need to torture animals for tourism." The protestors' nakedness highlights the vulnerability of the bulls, or at least I suppose that must be the idea - the campaign's website eschews the over-earnestness often associated with PETA and its causes in favour of the kind of writing* normally found in the most titillating tabloids. For example, its "Top 10 Reasons to Join!" begin like this:

1. It’s about babes – not bulls. Hardly-dressed hotties and nearly-nude dudes – need we say more?

2. Goring is boring! While “Running of the Bulls” revellers are putting themselves at risk of being accidentally gored or trampled by terrified, tormented bulls, we’ll be safely cruising down the cobblestones in our own fun and festive “no-bull” alternative.

3. Ay carumba! A week-long holiday in Spain would be muy bueno! Where else can you enjoy great food and drink, spectacular scenery and amazing sights while participating in an event that reminds tourists and Spaniards that an animal-friendly celebration is a more positive way to take pleasure in the city of Pamplona and in Spanish culture?

And so on, you get the idea. I don't fully agree with their cause for lots of reasons, but I have a certain sympathy and I like their attitude, so if bullfighting presses your righteous indignation buttons and you have the chance to get to Pamplona, why not join in the streak? Don't forget to submit your photos to Spain and Portugal for Visitors.

More information:
Running of the Nudes: http://www.runningofthenudes.com
Encierro Humano: http://www.encierrohumano.com
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals): http://www.peta.org

*Good writing, mind you, this is skilled work. Try it if you don't believe me - it's exhausting. You can feel the calories burn off just reading this kind of stuff.