Spain: First bull run of San Fermín festival held in Pamplona

Pamplona, Spain – The iconic San Fermín festival has officially commenced in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona, marked by the traditional 'encierro', or bull run.

Thousands of revelers, dressed in the customary white attire with red sashes and bandanas, took to the streets early Tuesday morning. They ran approximately 850 meters from the bull pens to the bullring, navigating the narrow cobblestone alleys alongside six fighting bulls.

The objective for the runners is to sprint as close to the charging bulls as possible, demonstrating their bravery while attempting to avoid goring and trampling. This year's opening run saw several participants slip on the pavement, with some bulls even leaping over fallen runners.

Despite the dramatic scenes, emergency services reported no serious injuries. Five runners sustained bruises, with three requiring hospitalization for further examination. The festivities, which run until July 14, are also a point of contention for animal rights groups who condemn the bullfights as cruel.