Today marks the beginning of the San Fermin Festival (also known globally as "The Running of the Bulls"), which takes place in Pamplona, Spain every July for nine full days.
Each day during the fiesta, visitors from all over the world will run down Spain's cobbled streets, testing their luck as bulls are released to chase after them. After each morning run, the bulls are killed in an afternoon bullfight.
Bull after bull is antagonized and receives deep wounds to prepare him for the final 'fight'. After the performance, the 'estoque', a slim sword, is thrust between the bull's shoulders and through his chest. A matador can easily miss his mark, causing overwhelming blood loss and a prolonged and agonizing death.
If the matador gave a good performance, the crowd will cheer until he cuts off one of the ears of the bull. If they continue to cheer, he will cut off the other as well.
Once the bull is defeated, though not necessarily dead, he is dragged through the arena by his horns to the matadero - the slaughterhouse. For the bull, there is only ever one outcome.
�: La Corrida. Spain, 2009/2010.
Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals
