Friday Fest Buzz: Running Bulls, Mud, and More
Article by: Laura Mason|@masonlazarusFri July 24, 2015 | 00:00 AM
We're in the midst of festival summer season, and we know there's no way you can make it to all of them. Because the festivals don't stop, we're rounding up the best in show in festivals each week for you to stay in the know.
News from the Scene
1. Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain
Fiesta de San Fermin, commonly known as "The Running of the Bulls," is one of those festivals that combines tradition, adrenaline, and a healthy dose of "WHY??" Adrenaline junkies are right at home in the streets of Pamplona for this annual man vs. beast footrace, which took place over nine days earlier this month. This fest is spectator-heavy, as it's mostly men running the race; tens of thousands of Spaniards watch from the safety of their second-story apartments and elevated platforms. For those of you who want to participate but can't muster the courage to get up close and person with those bull's horns, the Running of the Inflatable Bulls is more up your alley. As a bonus, h ere are some incredible photos from The Atlantic of this year's man vs. beast footrace.
2. Boryeong Mud Festival, Boryeong, Korea
Who doesn’t love to get down and dirty? Down and dirty sounds even better when you can catch fun through inflatable bounce houses, mud spas, and rubber prison cells. Last weekend's Boryeong Mud Festival has been a South Korean festival staple for 18 years as a celebration of dirt, water, and the (messy) beauty of the union. And, of course, mud wrestling. People here definitely celebrate mud wrestling.
In this energetic video diary, follow along as an excited fan boards the bus, plays soccer in a foot of mud, and signs (we assume) an injury waiver, all to seven minutes of Calvin Harris on loop. Thankfully, selfie sticks are allowed at this one, and most of the footage comes from this young woman's steady arm in the middle of all the action. The GoPro has changed the game and enabled unprecedented firsthand access to festivals for those of us not lucky enough to attend. It's like you're really there.
What's Up Next?
1. Secret Garden Party
Festivals in the woods are all the rage these days, and Secret Garden Party was one of the trailblazers. Nestled in the English countryside, this festival features any activity you could possibly imagine. If you want to walk on hot coals, ride bikes into a lake, see a marionette show, sit on hay bales or see some stilt-walkers, it's all here. If you have any time for music, that's here too. Jungle, The Cat Empire, Caravan Place, and Kate Tempest headline this year.
2. Newport Folk Festival
One of America's most renowned portals for groundbreaking folk and alternative rock music, The Newport Folk Festival unfurls across Newport, Rhode Island this weekend. You can catch any of the 40+ musicians by tuning in to the NPR live stream all weekend long.
Stay with Fest300 for the latest Newport Folk Fest news throughout the weekend, and check back for our recap next week. We'll see you next Friday!
