It was a sea of red and white. 

Thousands of 'corredores' [runners] in traditional dress packed the main square to celebrate Spain's most famous festival - San Fermin. 

The pandemic means this year's edition was the first to be held since  2019 - so appropriately the official launch was dedicated to all the health workers in Spain. 

There was big excitement on Thursday morning as the first bull run pounded the streets of Pamplona, the capital of Navarra.  

Every year there are injuries to the runners, even serious ones when bulls gore unlucky victims, but it's still hugely popular. Over a million spectators are expected to flood the streets over the eight-day festival.

Chapu Papaoloza is President of Fundacion Taurina (Bullfighting Foundation), and says there is nothing quite like it. 

"You get a huge adrenaline rush. It's a feeling unlike any other. People often ask if you get scared during the race. Of course, we get scared, we are terrified, but only up until the race starts. After the race starts with the bulls, the feeling changes and is unique. It's one of happiness, joy and love of life," he told CGTN Europe.

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The Hemingway influence

The festival, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in his novel 'The Sun Also Rises,' attracts tourists from all over the world, with 40 percent of the runners coming from overseas.

But not everyone approves. Animal rights protesters made their voices heard earlier this week. 

They believe the Bull Run and bullfighting are nothing more than animal cruelty, and should be banned. 

International animal protection groups have highlighted examples of bulls dying from the effects of extreme stress caused by crowds and the noise of the event.

However, Apaoloza told CGTN Europe he saw the festival as a fundamental part of their culture and, ultimately, how the Spanish see themselves. 

"The race and the celebrations that surround it, it's the game between life and death. It's what represents the Mediterranean and Spanish way to celebrate life. It demonstrates how we relate with death, and it shows how much we love nature by facing it," he explained. 

Sixteen people have lost their lives over the last century. Thankfully, no one has suffered that fate in the first race this year. 

After a three year absence, there seems to be an overwhelming sense of celebration. 

Cover photo: Revellers run next to bulls during the running of the bulls at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, July 8, 2022. Reuters/Vincent West