Curva de Estafeta

You are standing at the Koohr-vah deh Es-tah-feh-tah, perhaps the most iconic and feared ninety-degree turn in the world of traditional Spanish sport. This sharp right-hand bend marks the transition from the narrow Merchants'…

To understand the danger of the Koohr-vah, one must understand the anatomy of the bull. The Spanish fighting bull is an incredibly athletic creature, but its center of gravity is high, and its hooves are designed for traction on…

Look down at the 'ah-doh-kee-nehs'—the paving stones—under your feet. You might notice they look relatively ordinary, but in recent years, the city of Pamplona has invested in modern technology to mitigate the danger of the…

One of the most common mistakes made by first-time runners—the 'rookies'—is to think that the inside of the curve is a safe haven. On the surface, it seems logical: if the bulls are sliding toward the outside wall, staying on the…

If you look closely at the architecture around the corner, you might notice heavy iron hinges or specific markings on the walls. These are for the safety gates that are swung shut immediately after the bulls pass. …

Look up at the balconies overlooking the corner. During the Sahn Fer-meen festival, these small wrought-iron platforms are the most valuable real estate in Pamplona. …

There is a unique auditory transition that happens at this corner. Before the bulls arrive, the air is filled with a low, nervous hum of thousands of people. …

As you move away from the Koohr-vah deh Es-tah-feh-tah, you carry with you a deeper understanding of the thin line between tradition and danger. This spot is more than just a turn in a road; it is a physical manifestation of the…