Adventure Travel
Preparing for the Festival of San Fermin 2013
Find out what you need to do to prepare for the July Festival of San Fermin 2013. And more importantly, the actual Running of the Bulls 2013.
No amount of planning can prepare you for the Festival of San Fermin 2013 (locally known Sanfermines). Every year over a million visitors from around the world descend on the small town of Pamplona in Spain for 9 days in July.
The streets of this proud Navarre region are taken over with revellers adorned in white and red celebrating one of the craziest festivals in the world, the Festival of San Fermin. And most of them are only there to see, or participate in, The Encierro. Better known as the Running of the Bulls.
Bullfighting at the Festival de San Fermin
Festival of San Fermin 2013
If there is only one festival you plan to go to in 2013 then the Festival of San Fermin 2013 should be it. It will be the craziest, scariest, most exciting and adrenaline fuelled few days of your life.
San Fermines 2013 runs between July 6 to July 14, as it has for the last few hundred years. The festival marks the celebration of Saint Fermin who is one of the two patrons of Navarre, and is also considered as a martyr in the Catholic Church.
At noon on the 6th July the Festival of San Fermin 2013 will officially begin when the chupinazo, a ceremonial rocket, is fired from the town hall in Pamplona.
From then on it is one wild ride of sangria, bulls, dancing, fireworks and little sleep.
Festival of San Fermin 2013 Program: July 7 – 14 July
Every day after the 6th July until midnight on the 14th July, the San Fermines will run in the same fashion:
The Encierro or Running with the Bulls
Still image from our video while running with the bulls
From 6am, those not tanked up on sangria and still able to run safely will start gathering on the narrow streets of Pamplona.
This was one of the most terrifying parts for me as the tension slowly builds in the crowd and you really begin to contemplate what you are doing. Nervous hugs, jokes and silence ascends on the crowd of locals and tourists standing shoulder to shoulder in the pale morning light.
If you have any second thoughts then this is the time to seriously consider if you want to put your life at risk.
Just before 8am the runners ask for the protection of Saint Fermin by singing a chant three times before a small statue of the Saint near the bulls corral. At 8am the first firecracker is set off to announce the release of the bulls. A second firecracker is quickly sounded which signals that the last bull has left the corral.
In total there are six fighting bulls that have never run before accompanied by six oxes that are seasoned veterans. These oxes guide the other bulls to the arena. Shepherds also guide the unpredictable bulls to ensure they don’t turn on the crowd. Although it does still happen.
From there it is a wild 825 metre dash along the narrow fenced streets of Pamplona into the bullfighting arena. As the first bull enters the arena a third firecracker is released before the fourth firecracker announces the end of the run now that all the bulls are safely locked away in the bullpens.
Festival of San Fermin – Running with the Bulls
But that doesn’t signal the end of the fun.
Once all of the bulls have cleared the bullfighting arena, young bulls with their horns wrapped in padding are released into the bullring to cause carnage. Be careful not to get taken out, or the crowd will laugh! And whatever you do, don’t touch the bulls or you will be set upon by the locals who consider the bulls sacred.
Festival of San Fermin 2013 Street Party
Hopefully you survived the running of the bulls and came out unscathed. And that is lucky as this is when the Sanfermines Festival really kicks off. As the Running of the Bulls finishes, the Festival of San Fermin 2013 continues.
Everyone grabs their sangria filled bota bags (wine skins) and parties on the streets until the following run the next morning.
We always took this opportunity to retire to our accommodation for a few hours to catch up on sleep, go surfing in San Sebastian, and grab some delicious local pinxtos (tapas). We wouldn’t return to Pamplona again until the evening because we needed the rest as the party is unlike anything you have every experienced.
You will see scenes that astound you, but make you rush to join in.
Like the men with Firebulls, which are basically a paper mache bull with fireworks strapped to their backs, running through the crazy crowd. Children chase after them and everyone ends up covered in scorching hot cinders. Watch the video below…
There are also countless parades and street bands wandering along the cobbled stones singing and dancing with the crowd. The Spanish really know how to party.
Bull Fights at the Festival of San Fermin 2013
Every evening from 6.30pm between the 7th and the 14th July the bullfights begin. The six bulls that ran that morning will be killed in the bullfighting.
The atmosphere in the arena is even crazier than in the street. I am not sure if it is the blood-lust or the sangria that gets the Spanish crowd so excited, but they definitely were enjoying themselves.
Just be aware that attending the bullfighting isn’t for everyone. I am not squeamish but by the killing of the third bull I had enough and wished they would finish each fight sooner.
We also appreciate the controversies surrounding the bull fighting and that post covers our thoughts on it which you might want to check out before deciding to attend or not.
Bullfights at the Festival of San Fermin
And while the Pamplona bullring is the fourth largest in the world, it is full every afternoon and tickets are hard to find. We managed to buy some on the gate a few hours before the fight but were lucky to snap some up.
Where to stay for the Festival of San Fermin 2013
Finding accommodation for San Fermin 2013 can be nearly impossible if you don’t organise it months in advance. We joined Busabout for their Running with the Bulls tour which proved ideal.
The Busabout campground is located about an hour from Pamplona. However they provided breakfast every morning as well as tents and transportation to and from Pamplona throughout the day, and night. Don’t miss the last bus at 3am or you will be there until 6am like our friends were.
What to take for the Festival of San Fermin 2013?
Ready for action at the Festival of San Fermin
If you are visiting Sanfermines for the first time then don’t go along with any preconceptions. Have an openmind and be prepared to party like it’s 1999 all over again.
If you are visiting San Fermin 2013 with a company like Busabout, then you don’t need much else other than some sturdy running shoes and a sleeping bag. They will provide you with the tent, red bandanna, white t-shirt and extra tips on where to go and what to do.
While the days are hot in Spain, the evenings can be cold, so consider taking an old sweater that you don’t mind throwing out afterwards. The stink and stickiness of sangria never comes out.
Should I run in the Festival of San Fermin 2013?
Most definitely.
But be aware that this is a very dangerous and risky activity. 15 people have been killed in the Festival of San Fermin since 1925. While the last death was an American tourist in 2009 every year there are hundreds of people injured while Running with the Bulls.
Luckily most of these are not serious.
If you want more information and a full list of the activities during the Festival of San Fermin 2013, then check out the the Navarra Council website.
Or book your festival now!
Adventure Travel
Are Passengers Still Joining the Mile High Club?
The allure of joining the mile high club has captured imaginations for decades. This cheeky rite of passage involves, shall we say, intimate activities aboard an airplane at 30,000 feet. Once a whispered-about thrill that seemed relatively accessible, today’s tightened airline security, cramped seating, and the watchful eyes of flight attendants have made this escapade much trickier to achieve. Still, it remains a fascinating (if not somewhat humorous) aspect of air travel culture.
A Brief History of the Mile High Club
The idea of joining the mile high club has been around for over a century, with its origins tracing back to daring aviation pioneers. Legend has it that the concept began in the early 1900s with pilots and adventurous passengers testing the limits of romance and altitude. The term “mile high club” itself became popularized in the mid-20th century as commercial flights grew in popularity, offering new opportunities for passengers to embrace this daring pursuit.
In the early days of aviation, joining the mile high club was relatively easy. Commercial planes were spacious, lavatories were roomy, and security was far less stringent. It was an adventurous and somewhat glamorous idea that fit perfectly into the romanticized image of air travel.
However, times have changed, and so has the feasibility of joining the mile high club on a commercial flight. Security protocols, cramped cabins, and vigilant flight crews have made it increasingly difficult for passengers to achieve this daring feat.
Why It’s More Difficult to Join the Mile High Club Today
For modern travelers, joining the mile high club has become far more complicated than in the carefree days of early aviation. Here are some key reasons why:
1. Tighter Security
The post-9/11 era introduced a new level of scrutiny on flights. Cabin crews are trained to spot any suspicious behavior, and loitering in the lavatory often raises red flags. The days of slipping away unnoticed are largely behind us.
2. Cramped Lavatories
Airplane lavatories have significantly decreased in size over the years. What used to be a somewhat accommodating space now barely fits one person comfortably, let alone two.
3. Heightened Awareness
With the rise of smartphones and social media, there’s little privacy on flights. Any unusual behavior is likely to be noticed (and potentially recorded) by fellow passengers.
Despite these challenges, the allure of joining the mile high club hasn’t entirely faded. It simply requires more creativity, discretion, and sometimes a higher budget.
The Risks of Joining the Mile High Club
While the idea of joining the mile high club might sound thrilling, the risks are significant and should not be underestimated. Here’s what could happen if you’re caught:
- Fines: In many countries, public indecency laws apply even on airplanes. In the United States, passengers caught in the act can face fines ranging from $500 to $10,000.
- Arrests: Some countries, such as the UAE, have strict decency laws that could result in arrest, imprisonment, or deportation.
- Flight Bans: Airlines may add offenders to their no-fly lists, barring them from future travel with that carrier.
- Embarrassment: Perhaps the most immediate consequence is the humiliation of being caught and escorted off the plane in front of other passengers.
Famous Mile High Club Incidents
Over the years, there have been some memorable (and infamous) incidents involving people attempting to join the mile high club:
- The Vegas Couple (2017): A pair traveling to Las Vegas made headlines when their mid-flight escapade ended with law enforcement waiting for them upon landing. Their story went viral thanks to amused passengers who documented the incident.
- Celebrity Stories: While no names are confirmed, numerous rumors circulate about A-list celebrities allegedly joining the mile high club on their private jets. Their access to private flights makes these tales both plausible and difficult to verify.
Is the Mile High Club Still a Thing?
Despite the challenges, joining the mile high club is far from extinct. These days, the club thrives mainly in private aviation circles. Wealthy individuals, celebrities, and private jet users enjoy the freedom and privacy that commercial flights simply cannot offer.
Some adventurous couples even charter “romantic flights” specifically designed to provide the privacy needed for this experience. These flights are marketed as luxury experiences, complete with champagne, plush seating, and ample time in the air to achieve their lofty goals.
Tips for Avoiding Mishaps
If you’re considering joining the mile high club, it’s important to understand the potential pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Stick to Private Flights: If you can afford it, private jets offer the privacy needed to avoid unwanted attention or legal consequences.
- Avoid Commercial Lavatories: Flight attendants and passengers are highly aware of what goes on in those cramped spaces. Attempting anything there is risky.
- Be Discreet: For those daring enough to attempt it on a commercial flight, discretion is key. But remember, even the smallest slip-up could result in embarrassment or worse.
Movies That Made the Mile High Club Famous
The mystique of joining the mile high club has been a plot point in various films, cementing its place in popular culture. These moments, often blending humor, romance, and adventure, have helped keep the idea alive in the public imagination. Here’s a look at a few memorable films that brought this daring escapade to the silver screen:
“Catch Me If You Can” (2002)
Steven Spielberg’s crime caper, based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., includes a cheeky nod to joining the mile high club. In a scene that epitomizes the charm and audacity of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Frank convinces a flight attendant to join him in the airplane lavatory. The sequence captures the glamour of 1960s aviation and the allure of the mile high club during a time when air travel was still a luxurious affair.
“View From the Top” (2003)
This romantic comedy starring Gwyneth Paltrow as an aspiring flight attendant features a light-hearted take on the concept of joining the mile high club. While not central to the plot, the film highlights the comedic and romantic possibilities of being at 30,000 feet. The movie’s playful tone and setting within the airline industry make it a natural fit for exploring such themes.
“Wedding Crashers” (2005)
In this iconic comedy, Vince Vaughn’s character unsuccessfully attempts to join the mile high club with his love interest, played by Isla Fisher. The humor comes from the sheer awkwardness of the situation, as Vaughn’s character struggles to balance romance with the tight confines of an airplane lavatory. The scene’s comedic exaggeration underscores how far some might go to attempt this daring feat.
“Up in the Air” (2009)
This George Clooney-led drama about frequent flyers and the corporate world subtly references joining the mile high club. While the film focuses more on the emotional isolation of constant travel, there’s a brief acknowledgment of the allure and occasional absurdity of romance in the skies.
“Snakes on a Plane” (2006)
While this cult classic is more about over-the-top action and deadly reptiles, it also includes a scene where two passengers attempt to join the mile high club before meeting an untimely end. The absurdity of the situation adds to the film’s campy charm and reinforces the unpredictability of attempting this daring act in the air.
“Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” (1997)
The tongue-in-cheek humor of the Austin Powers series wouldn’t be complete without a wink at joining the mile high club. Austin’s flirtation with flight attendants and exaggerated romantic gestures bring a hilarious, over-the-top spin to the concept, fitting perfectly with the series’ playful tone.
“The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013)
Martin Scorsese’s depiction of excess and indulgence in The Wolf of Wall Street includes a scene where Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his wife Naomi (Margot Robbie) make an audacious attempt to join the mile high club in their private jet. This scene captures the extravagance and recklessness of Belfort’s lifestyle while showcasing how private aviation offers a less risky environment for such adventures.
Why the Mile High Club Remains a Fascination
The enduring appeal of joining the mile high club lies in its combination of thrill, rebellion, and exclusivity. It represents a departure from everyday norms and the chance to be part of an unusual and storied tradition. Whether it’s whispered about or boldly attempted, the mile high club continues to capture imaginations across the globe.
So, are passengers still joining the mile high club? The short answer is yes, but the methods have evolved. With heightened security, reduced privacy, and increased awareness, commercial flights are no longer the carefree playground they once were. The club now thrives in the realm of private aviation and curated luxury experiences, keeping its mystique alive while remaining out of reach for many.
If the idea of joining the mile high club has crossed your mind, weigh the risks and rewards carefully. It’s a quirky piece of aviation lore that’s as much about fantasy as reality—and for most, it’s probably best left in the realm of daydreams.
Adventure Travel
Honest Review of New Jersey Island Beach State Park
Adventure Travel
Facing my Fears – Hot Air Ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain
I’m not a huge fan of heights & when I was given the chance to face my fears while hot air ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain, I was a little apprehensive.
“Everyone holding on tight?”
“Brace! Brace! Brace!”
Not really the words I wanted to be coming out of our hot air balloon pilot’s mouth as we descended toward earth.
Even though I have always wanted to go hot air ballooning, I have not pushed it. You see, while Adela is not a fan of being underground, I hate being above ground. High above ground that is.
I don’t do heights very well.
So how did I find myself on a crystal clear summer morning above the stunning Costa Brava coastline? Being told to “brace” as we descended towards a tiny clearing between trees and cornfields?
Applying for Residency in Spain
For those enchanted by Spain’s charm and considering a longer stay, understanding how to apply for residence in this country is essential. Spain offers various residency options tailored to different needs, whether you’re pursuing work, study, or simply embracing the lifestyle. The process typically involves securing the appropriate visa, registering with local authorities, and meeting specific requirements like proof of income or health insurance. With its rich culture, warm climate, and inviting communities, Spain remains an ideal destination for expatriates seeking a new adventure.
I want to give a huge thanks to our incredibly talented pilot from Globus Costa Brava for taking me on a ride that will be forever remembered. And of course the extremely wonderful team at Costa Brava Tourism Board for helping me face my fears by organizing the hot air ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain.
This is a post from a series called Facing my Fears. It helps us to step outside our comfort zone, in comfort. Check out the rest of the series here.
Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Costa Brava tourism board, but as always our fears, stories, and photos are all our own.
Do you have a fear of heights or another phobia? How did you face your fears?
Hot Air Ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain
Rising before dawn is usually not a problem for me. I love sunrises. Even being told we have an awesome travel adventure high up in the sky doesn’t faze me this early.
It is not until we are actually watching the balloons be filled with scorching flames that I begin to worry a little bit. How is a little bit of hot air meant to hold 10 full-grown adults up 1,000 meters in the sky? Not to mention 10 adults that have been gorging themselves silly on food and drink for the past week.
Climbing into what can only be described as a fruit basket for humans, I begin snapping away with my camera to avoid looking anyone else in the eyes in case they see my fear.
Pulling my eye from the viewfinder I quickly realise we have already drifted several hundred meters above the ground. I was so preoccupied that I didn’t even notice how gently we had taken off.
Maybe it has something to do with the sunrise peaking its blazing head above the Costa Brava skyline. Or the tight space we have managed to all squeeze ourselves into. Or maybe it is the extreme stillness and quiet between bursts of flame.
I realize it is not that bad up here. I am even breathing normally and able to look over the edge of the basket. Who knows? Maybe someday I will start a business with a hot air balloon and entertain tourists from all over the world.
Okay, maybe not such a good idea.
But I am able to gaze into the distance towards the Pyrenees and across the stunning Costa Brava landscape. Farmland and Medieval towns drift silently below our feet. People go about their daily lives without even realising we are drifting above them.
It is not until we are starting to descend that irrational fear begins to take hold again.
Our Spanish-speaking pilot is gesticulating to our guide and interrupter that we are all meant to be doing something important. They both give nervous laughs before falling silent again.
Okay now would be the perfect opportunity to have finally learnt a second language like I promised myself at the beginning of the year.
Turns out that since we basically have no steering ability we are at the winds mercy. And with the coastline rapidly approaching it is time to take this contraption down to earth.
“Brace! Brace! Brace!”
Eyeing up the only clear patch of earth within a mile, our pilot is all business. The trees and houses that looked like miniature toys just a moment ago suddenly loom large directly in front of us.
Instead of gently floating down in replication of our takeoff, we are drifting along quite quickly thanks to the wind picking up speed in the last 10 minutes.
My knuckles turn white as we brace our knees and back against the flimsy wicker basket.
And even though the command to brace is just a precaution, we still manage to bounce hard 3 times before settling down. A laugh escapes my lips as the tension eases from my muscles. And from the looks on the other’s faces, I am not the only one to be relieved we are back on solid earth again.
I had done it. I had conquered my fear.
And if I ever get the chance to go hot air ballooning ever again, then I would jump at the chance, check the ETIAS Spain program.
I want to give a huge thanks to our incredibly talented pilot from Globus Costa Brava for taking me on a ride that will be forever remembered. And of course the extremely wonderful team at Costa Brava Tourism Board for helping me face my fears by organizing the hot air ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain.
This is a post from a series called Facing my Fears. It helps us to step outside our comfort zone, in comfort. Check out the rest of the series here.
Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Costa Brava tourism board, but as always our fears, stories, and photos are all our own.
Do you have a fear of heights or another phobia? How did you face your fears?
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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