When most people think of bull running, the first word that comes to mind is ‘Pamplona’, accompanied by images of herds of bulls chasing young courageous tourists through narrow cobbled streets. But there is far more to this iconic image of Spanish culture than this. Elsewhere, on the Costa Blanca, bull running is just as popular, but takes on a slightly different flavour. The region has a long history with the tradition of bull running in Spain, and its subtle charms bewitch many a visitor.

When most people think of bull running, the first word that comes to mind is ‘Pamplona’, accompanied by images of herds of bulls chasing young courageous tourists through narrow cobbled streets. But there is far more to this iconic image of Spanish culture than this. Elsewhere, on the Costa Blanca, bull running is just as popular, but takes on a slightly different flavour. The region has a long history with the tradition of bull running in Spain, and its subtle charms bewitch many a visitor.

In Javea for instance, in the northern Costa Blanca, the bull run takes place in the historic old town and near the pier, towards the end of April. In contrast to the famous bull run of Pamplona, where half a dozen bulls and oxen chase massive crowds towards the city’s bull ring, here a lone bull is released onto the streets. Smaller crowds taunt and encourage the bull to charge, while trying to avoid being struck. Whereas in the past the bull would be killed after the run in a bullfight, now the animal is simply returned to captivity, and its welfare is taken care of in accordance with animal protection laws.

In the neighbouring town of Denia, the annual Toros a la Mar occurs in the harbour area. In this thrilling bull run, runners are chased by the quickly angered beast to the waters edge, where a swift dip into the sea is often their only means of escape. The bull also on occasion falls in after them, but it is quickly rescued and comes to no harm. This spectacular and dramatic event is followed by firework displays and other celebrations. As with most bull running events, anyone fit and brave enough is free to compete. It is of course worth noting that there are often many injuries, usually resulting from falls, and sometimes even deaths. Spectating is obviously the safer option, and it is possible to watch from an aerial vantage point or from inside purpose built steel cages.

Moraira also plays host to a bull run in mid-june, as part of the ‘Moors and Christians’ festival. Other features of the festival include live concerts, mock battles and a firework finale.

Such fiestas draw many tourists from around the world every year and remain popular with the locals. If you do decide to take part in the running, be sure that you are wearing appropriate footwear and clothing. Running under the influence of alcohol or drugs is expressly forbidden, and this is just plain common sense- of all the times in your life that you want a clear head, running away from an angry bull has got to be very near the top of the list. Being fit and agile enough to evade being gored or otherwise trampled is also obviously a necessary prerequisite. One reason for the high number of injuries is the over-eagerness of foreign tourists excited to be taking part in a famed bull run, but proceeding without due care and attention. If possible, it is highly recommended that you watch a bull run before taking part in one, so you have a better idea of what it is all about.

That said, there is nothing comparable to seeing a half-ton bull charging towards you and successfully avoiding its advances, and the Costa Blanca is a great place to experience this once in a lifetime encounter. Not only does the region benefit from a less sweltering climate, events taking place here are often far less crowded than at the Pamplona San Fermin bull running festival popularised by Hemingway.

A particularly unique and thrilling variation of traditional bull running is the ‘Toro de Fuego’, or fire bull. In this usually night-time event, flammable devices are attached to the bull’s horns, not only making it more boisterous but also giving it an even more impending presence that is spectacular to watch, and terrifying and exciting in equal measures for the runners.

Bull running events have long come under fire from animal rights groups and protesters, some even going as far as invading the run. Yet its supporters and enthusiasts declare it a national tradition, and point out that it is much more humane than in the past, with the bull no longer being killed. The particular breed of fighting bulls used in bull running and bullfighting are also only bred for this specific purpose, and would possibly otherwise face extinction.

To see for yourself, book yourself a flight to the Costa Blanca and experience the beautiful region and its spectacular fiestas.