Video of encierros day after day on RTVE
The Encierro or bull release is the most famous event and attracts the most interest throughout the world. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when horsemen drove herds into the city center. In the 16th century, a group of young men defied the authorities by running in front of cattle. The current route dates from the end of the 18th century, its total length is 848.6 meters, and it goes from the fences of Santo Domingo to the bullring.
The Running of the Bulls is always preceded by a prayer to San Fermin, said at the beginning of the route at 7:55, 7:57 and 7:59 in Cuesta de Santo Domingo, in front of the statue of the Saint. Runners ask for San Fermin’s blessing:
“We ask San Fermin to be our patron, to lead us in the running of the bulls, giving us his blessing. Long live! Mountain! »