Run for Your Life at the N'Awlins Version of The Running of The Bulls, July 9-11, 2010

After the 4th of July holiday, summer in New Orleans is as ripe as a watermelon bursting with juice, but you might not know that if you are not a local.  The Essence Music Fest is over for another year, and Stachmo Summerfest a three-day jazz festival honoring Louis Armstong is a month away, so what do the locals do for a month?  Read on to find out.

In a city where there are sometimes up to seven festivals in one weekend, the July calendar seems a bit sparse, but there are still good times to be had.  The Essence Music Fest rules the first weekend of July, but the second and fourth weekends have special, Naturally N'Awlins events taking place.  Today, read all about the first festival, and stay tuned in the next few days to read all about the second festival.

From July 9 to July 11, you can enjoy our version of "The Running of the Bulls."  San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO) is an annual festival in New Orleans featuring an Encierro (bull run), which replicates and pays homage to the world famous Encierro of Pamplona, Spain, or "The Running of the Bulls", only our bulls are none other than members of the Big Easy Rollergirls and select participants from other roller derby leagues across the country.

The weekend begins on Friday with a party that serves Spanish food and drink and that hosts a palella competition.  On Saturday at 8:00 a. m., folks dress up in white and red and get prepared to be run down by a fierce team of roller derby girls.  That night, La Fiesta de Pantalones rules the night with live music and tapas.  The next day, the festivities continue with brunch and an odd theater competition entitled Hemingway, Olé.  And this year, due to perfect timing, you can gather with other fútbol enthusiasts (aka soccer fans), to watch the final match in The World Cup championship.

New Orleans culture is inherently multi-cultural.  People tend to think of the French and African origins of this city's unique way of life, but many other peoples, including the Spanish, have had a profound influence on the same.  We love all parts of who we are, and this weekend's festivities celebrate one aspect of our many selves.

Practical Info:  There is no cost or registration required to participate in or view the running of the bulls or to enjoy yourself at some of the other events.  Visit the San Fermin Nueva Orleans 2010 website for full details and for info on the run's route, on host bars and hotels, and on derby organizations and the Krewe of the Rolling Elvi.  On the site, you'll also find pictures of past years' events and an online shop that sells run-related merchandise including T-shirts, botas, koozies, and more.