Run with Bulls in Portugal
Bulls form the backbone of this colourful annual summer festival on the island of Terceira. Unlike Spain, where bulls are killed in bullfighting, Portuguese bullfighting-on-a-rope spares the creature’s life. Several men hold the bull back from the crowds with a long rope. On the beach, bulls chase kids into the sea, while on the streets, brave men taunt the bull by running up close enough to touch it. To run with bulls in Portugal is a different take on the classic Hemingway ritual, and given the occasional incident, certainly not for everybody. As for visiting the historically rich Azores, this Bucket List is feeling bullish.
Length of Trip : Spend at least a week exploring the Azores. Running with the bulls takes place at almost every day somewhere on the island Terceira between May and September.
Cost :
It's free to join in the bullfighting-on-a-rope. Anyone can take to the streets (or the sidewalks, or the beach) to participate or watch the action from the safety of the sidelines.
Best time to go : Summer (July/August)
Wheelchair friendly : That depends on how close you want to get to that bull!
Family friendly : There are kid-friendly bull runs (using baby bulls). Which is not to say kids can't get gored like the adults.
Where to eat :
In Terceira: Fresh seafood at the Restaurant Beira Mar. Sensational island fare at Os Moinhos . Enjoy terrific meat dishes and seafood at Tasca das Tias and Restaurante Caneta in Angra do Heroismo.
Official Site :
You can find more information about visiting the Azores here.
Where to Stay :
I enjoyed my stay and the lovely views from the Hotel do Caracol in Angra do Heroisme.
Getting There :
Various budget airlines fly from mainland Europe to Terceria, such as RyanAir, EasyJet, SATA and TAP It's about a 2-hour flight from Lisbon to Terceira. Car rental is suggested for the island.
Note from Robin :
Fun and games aside, people (that is, silly men who overvalue their abilities) do get killed when they get too close to the bulls. Unlike Pamplona, the bulls are held back by men with a thick rope, so it's not a crazy free-for-all. But it does get crazy nevertheless. There are also more traditional arena bullfights that take place in Angra do Heroisme. I know vegetarians are probably sharpening their comment knives with this one, but this festival is an island cultural tradition, and far less cruel and bloody than the Spanish counterpart. Don't miss the colourful parades and carnivals throughout the summer. And keep your distance!
PRESENTED BY FORD OF CANADA
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