When I think of the word tradition, I think of a belief or behavior that is repeated on a consistent basis that has symbolic meaning or means something important to a specific group. For example, one Filipino tradition that we practice is called pagmamano which is done by gently tapping the hand of an elder to a younger person’s forehead. This shows a sign of respect to elders by the younger person. Here in Spain, one of the largest traditions has to do with the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermin Festival every July!
I learned about the Festival of San Fermin which started in 1591. This year, it starts on July 5 and continues through July 16, and it turns Pamplona from a quiet relaxed city into a city filled with festivals, parties and over 1,000,000 people! Every day during this festival, runners run with bulls through the narrow streets to the bullring, where the bulls will fight later in the day. The runners wear white pants and shirts, red scarves around their necks and a red beret on top of their heads. People watch the bullfighters from balconies which keep spectators safe. Before and after the bullfights, music, dancing and parades fill the local streets.
