Bull Running / Tomato Fight in Spain

[Antidote]

Hey guys. So... has anyone been to either of these festivals? Or, better, to both of these festivals? I have a couple of questions:
1. Which is more fun and worth experiencing?
2. At which are you more likely to see people from outside Europe, like Americans and Canadians?
Also, general comments and stories on the issue welcome.
Thanks!

[Somnambulation]

Ive only been to the running of the bulls, but if you had to schedule your time in Spain around one of them, the bulls is probably it. The tomato fight lasts only an hour, and afterward your just a guy covered in tomato. Although Im sure its a great party atmosphere, the running of the bulls is not to be missed. 7 days of nonstop revelry, the Spaniards know how to party. And while it can be at times, its not the drunken orgy of violence and crime that it would be if such a thing took place in the US. Ive been twice and dont think Ive ever met another American while in Pamplona. The vast majority are Spanish with quite a few English and Austrailians too.

[MeTurk]

I've only been to the tomato fight one. there is a big party the night before with locals selling beer outside ther front doors, amusments and free outdoor nightclubs. You also get a free hat when you buy a beer, it's great craic. There's allot of waiting around while you get ready for the tomatos to come along but there's T-shirt fights the ham thing, it's fairly entertaining. The water cannons really help snap you out of the hangover before the fight begins it is really short and everyone seems to leave once it's over.


There's loads and loads and loads of Aussies at it, most people are english speakers from the looks of things although the locals hold there own.

[LostFarmboy]

I went to the running of the bulls last year, it's a massive party for 7 days with thousands and thousands of people that get charged down by bulls at 8am every morning.......simply awsome!!! It's mostly Spaniards, but there's still enough foreigners around to make some friends.

If you want to see what last years was like, go to the past meetups thread, there's a few photos and stories in there.....good times

[urOZm8]

I was at the running of the bulls in 2004 with Somnambulation. San Fermine is a legendary festival that lasts a whole week. I can't think of a greater adrenaline rush I have ever had before.

ev

[Munkeyrach]

whens the tomatoe festival thing on?

[lightening]

Originally posted by Munkeyrach@Apr 6 2006, 04:08 AM
whens the tomatoe festival thing on?

[snapback]110857[/snapback]

La Tomatina is always the last Wednesday of August. This year that makes it Aug. 30. I'll be there. Will you?

[Munkeyrach]

I dunno it is a possibility thoe depending on how much money i have after the party season in July in Germany

[dug]

Originally posted by lightening@Apr 6 2006, 07:47 AM
La Tomatina is always the last Wednesday of August.* This year that makes it Aug. 30.* I'll be there.* Will you?

[snapback]110886[/snapback]

Woo, I'll be on my trip during that time!! I would like to make it to this fight.

but what city is it in? Is it as hard to get to as the Festival of the Bulls is?

any more info would be much appreciated

[mongo]

Its in Bunol its like 20 to 30 minute bus ride west of valencia i guess from what i have read up on it that quite a few people stay in valencia and just bus to bunol the morning of the tomato fight because there are very few places to stay in bunol and they fill up quickly because the tomato fight is just one part of a week long festival they are having

[brea_510]

when is the running of the bulls?

[Elizabeth]

Running of the Bulls is held every year July 6th-14th.

[kiwichick]

Im planning on going to la tomatina in 07- ne advice? Particularly is it possible/worthwhile to go to the party the night before hand and get back to a hostel in valencia?

[Inside]

Im doing europe for 12months and intend on doing both festivals, from what i gather the running of the bulls is early July, tomato throwing late august
Now is thereplenty for me to see in the downtime in between those events, I thinking there will be with Spain and Portugal.
Maybe burn some money in Lago's and Ibiza

[c0urt]

i am trying to see if i can fit bull running into my schedule for this year

it has been intrigueing me for some time. and i think this may be the year to do it

[raoulduke]

I'm hoping to be there. I'm trying to work out the details. I've left a thread lying around this place somewhere if you want to lend a hand.

[Culchie]

Originally Posted by peterdeni

Im planning on going to la tomatina in 07- ne advice? Particularly is it possible/worthwhile to go to the party the night before hand and get back to a hostel in valencia?

I was there for the party the night before there are loads of outdoor discos, nightclubs, amusments, free hats, cheapish drink, food and all sorts, you can easily sleep on the street. I'd say it was wroth it, you don't have to worry about the hangover either just stay up near the band and they'll hose you down with water so cold it would wake the dead.

Just get the last train out of valencia the night before check in your bag at one of the local bag checking in places and enjoy the rest of the night.

[lisatr12]

There is Sonar and Primavera at summers in Barcelona. These festivals host many well known artists and bands from all over the world.