San Fermin Festival

Destination: Pamplona, Spain

The San Fermin Festival that takes place in July, I can only imagine is absolutely chaotic and completely intoxicating. The idea of bulls racing after groups of runners through narrow streets is frightening to some, exhilarating to others, but intriguing to all. Festivals as a whole, lure people from their securities and provide an outlet for uncharacteristic behavior. They bring communities together by honoring past events, ideas, dreams, and of course, people. Traditions evolve but are always rooted somewhere, so it's truly fascinating to watch the ways people interpret and follow them. 

So I ask those of you who have traveled abroad for the San Fermin Festival, those who have witnessed or run in the Running of the Bulls, and those who have watched the intense bull fighting in the Plaza de Toros . . .
  
- reactions, impressions, interpretations?
- encounters: who did you meet (foreigners/locals), habits, characteristics, personalities, appearances?
- the runners: emotions, clothing, preparation?
- the spectators: reactions, words, emotions?
- the run: tough legs of the race, the bulls, moments, the start, the end?
- the plaza: size, condition, layout, scalpers, pickpockets?
- the crowd: noise, energy, songs?
- the fight: participants, weapons, outfits, horses, the demeanor of the bulls, the president, the movements, reactions, emotions, the kill?

I'm also curious about any distinct sights, sounds, and smells that you may remember. Of anything, people, animals, buildings, streets.

Thank you :)