6 Bull Runs as good as the ones in Pamplona

The 'encierros' (bull runs) in Pamplona may be the most famous ones, they're certainly not the only ones in Spain. Some aficionados claim that there are 'encierros' which are at least as good as the ones in Pamplona, if not better. These ones are among the best:

1. Cuellar (province of Segovia)
Cuellar claims to have the oldest bull runs in Spain. They were already mentioned in a document from 1215. Actually, the document states that priests shouldn't participate in the bull runs. Last week of August.

2. Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca)
Most of the famous bull runs take place in July and August. Looking for some winter challenge? In Ciudad Rodrigo, a beautiful sleepy town near the Portuguese border they run for the bulls in February, and they do so since 1494. Ranks among the best and most traditional in Spain.

3. Falces (Navarra).
Bulls running through the mountains. Third or fourth Sunday in August.

4. Iscar (Valladolid).
The mayor of Iscar is such a passionate bull runner that he participates in bull runs all through the country. In 2003 he got injured during the bull runs in Cuéllar. The bull runs in Iscar thake place in the first weekend of August.

5. Tudela (Navara).
Last week of July.

6. Sepúlveda (Segovia).
Charming little town not far from Segovia (one of the most beautiful towns in Spain). Every last week of August they organize famous bull runs for children. Don't panic: the bulls are not real!