1)
RUNNING OF THE BULLS:WHAT IS IT?
In Pamplona, Spain, between July 7 and July 14, during fiestas, a race including fighting bulls is known as "The Running of the Bulls."
Six fighting bulls are escorted by six trained bell oxen through the winding alleys of Pamplona and up to the bullring during the free bullrunning event known as The Running of the Bulls, which takes place over an 875-meter track. Every morning at 8:00 a.m., between July 7 and July 14, during the Sanfermin fiestas, this event takes place. Unless something unfavourable happens, the run should typically only take 2 to 3 minutes to finish.
THE BEGINNING
Apparently, butchers were in charge of bringing the bulls in from the ranches in earlier times, and young apprentice butchers started to follow bull handlers, or pastores, as they led the bulls up to the bullring. To encourage the bulls to move forward, they frequently ran in front of them. The event gained popularity over time, and the men started running in front of the bulls rather than following them as usual (as the bull minder always does).
PARTICIPATION
You don't have to register or subscribe to any lists. Anyone who is at least 18 years old who wants to participate is welcome to do so for free. To prevent penalties or issues with the local authorities, you must adhere to a number of standards and regulations. The local police are notoriously stern and firm when it comes to any type of misconduct, and they are especially strict to make sure that no inebriated or drunk runners are allowed on the run route.
HOW TO BE THERE
The double fencing along the course's streets starts to be set up in the wee hours of the morning. The trash and other remnants of the wild partying from the previous night are now being removed from the streets using water hoses. The neighbourhood police assist in removing everyone from these streets at the same time. The only persons allowed to stay in the area between the two lines of fencing are authorised press and medical workers. The streets have now been transformed into a reasonably small route without an exit or an entry when the last wooden gate is shut in the fencing. The only method for the runners to reach the route right now is to go to a gateway next to City Hall, which is open from 6.30 to 7.30 in the morning. Additionally, spectators may begin hunting for a spot behind the fencing so they can watch the bullrunning competition from there. They must, however, always abide by the second fence line.
THE SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Watch out for the rockets that are launched during the Running of the Bulls. The organisers interact with the runners and the general public in this way. When the first rocket is fired, the "Encierro," or "Running of the Bulls," has begun and the bulls have been let loose from their pens. All six of the fighting bulls have emerged from their enclosures and are now on the streets, as evidenced by the second rocket that can be heard. When the bulls have entered the enclosures within the bullring, the third rocket is launched. The fourth rocket signals that it is safe to open the fencing, allowing people to once again use the streets along the course's length and allowing the fiesta to carry on in a festive mood.
2)
LAS “BOLAS DE FUEGO”: WHAT IS IT ?
Two groups (each consisting of roughly 50 men) have been engaging in aerial firefighting since 1922. (and against each other). While the majority of them wear protection, for some of them it also appears to be a test of courage.
Not every Nejapa resident is required to take part. The majority of the community's young males participate in this spectacle because they probably enjoy the adrenaline rush it gives them.
The leaders of Nejapa worry that one of El Salvador's most thrilling customs could one day spiral out of control due to a lack of regulations. However, it has been around for about 100 years.
BACKGROUND:THE TWO WAYS THAT CAN EXPLAIN THE BEGINNING
The first one is spiritual in nature. They are engaged in combat as a representation of the ongoing struggle between good and evil (the devil). The Christian Saint Jeronimo (San Jerónimo) battling the devil while being pelted with fireballs is believed to be the "good part."
The volcano nearby Nejapa is mentioned in the alternative genesis story for this custom. The village was devastated in 1658 by the eruption of the nearby volcano "El Playón."
As "Bolas de Fuego" is a major festival in Nejapa, you may anticipate a sizable crowd there. There are live bands performing, people are dancing in the streets, and there is a great opportunity to sample Salvadoran cuisine.
3)
Why Mexico celebrates the ‘Day of the Dead’
The Catholic solemnities of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day have been designed to coincide with Da de los Muertos ever since Spanish colonisation in the 16th century (November 2).
Da de los Muertos, sometimes known as "Day of the Dead," is a celebration having prehispanic roots that is celebrated annually in Mexico and other regions of Latin America on November 1 and 2. The two-day commemoration is notable for its celebratory atmosphere, as festivities are filled with food and drink and family members adorn the graves of their departed with candles, flower petals, and treats.
The Catholic solemnities of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day have been designed to coincide with Da de los Muertos ever since Spanish colonisation in the 16th century (November 2). Though the Aztec, Toltec, and Nahua people who had lived in the area believed that mourning the dead is equivalent to honouring them, the multi-day event still has a happy tone in Mexico.
Indigenous communities in Mexico have celebrated the temporary return of their departed loved ones to Earth at this time of year since before the arrival of European settlers, when the maize crop—the main crop in Central America—is ready for harvest.
According to custom, on November 1, after the gates of heaven open at 12 o'clock in the morning on October 31, children's spirits can reunite with their family. Adults' souls may visit on November 2 the following day.
Families decorate grave sites with marigold flowers, candles, photos, and traditional crafts in an effort to entice the souls of their deceased loved ones to come back to Earth. They also leave offerings of foods that the deceased loved. The cemetery's access road is illuminated as well.
The extensive festival preparations reflect the belief that the visiting deceased will bring prosperity and a good corn harvest.
