Bulls, Brawls and Running On The Horns

Prepare for a heart-pounding continuation of Proper True Yarn Podcast's exploration of "Running with the Bulls" as Knuckles and Dan Beasley delve deeper into the thrills, survival stories, and rich Spanish traditions that make this event unforgettable. In this gripping episode Dan shares firsthand accounts and insights that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Dan starts by revealing a chilling detail—he believes someone may have died on the third day of the running he participated in. It's a stark reminder of the dangers that accompany this adrenaline-fueled tradition. The conversation then turns to the kind of alcohol one enjoys during this festival, from the traditional Sangria to the unconventional Kallimotxo. Dan takes us on a journey through the flavors and culture of the region. One of the most remarkable stories emerges as Dan recalls a man known as "Mr. Purple." Amidst the hundreds of runners, Mr. Purple stood out with his unique outfit. He endured a harrowing ordeal of being hit by a bull, thrown into the air, struck again, and ultimately trampled by several bulls. Against all odds, Mr. Purple survived, but not without significant injuries. In the same race, six others were hurt so badly they had to be stretchered off the course. Dan also sheds light on the deep respect the Spaniards have for the bulls and the consequences that tourists face if they disrespect the bulls or the race. He recounts an incident where a heifer gored a man on the ground, and another individual intervened by grabbing the heifer's tail, only to face a brutal beating from locals who protect the animals. Knuckles shares a story of an American man who jumped on the back of a bull during the running, leading to a severe thrashing from the Spanish graziers and cattle pushers. Dan paints a vivid picture of what it's like to run into the stadium with the bulls, including the hair-raising experience of running on the horns of the bulls themselves. He explains the exhilaration of walking against the crowd, seeking to run alongside the bulls into the coliseum-like arena. As the episode concludes, Dan describes the process of leading the lost bulls back with cattle before the matador fights and the resumption of the party atmosphere. Subscribe now to Proper True Yarn Podcast for an episode that takes you deep into the heart of Spanish traditions, near-death experiences, and the electrifying world of running with the bulls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.