The Third Annual New Orleans Running of the Bulls takes place tomorrow.
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans replicates and pays homage to the world famous Encierro of Pamplona, Spain, or "The Running of the Bulls," with our own version of bravery on display.
However, our bulls will actually be roller girl teams from New Orleans, Houston, Jacksonville, Baton Rouge and Houma.
About eighty of them, armed with wiffle-ball bats, will chase the brave runners through the French Quarter tomorrow, starting from Conti and Burgundy at 8am. "We've instructed them to strike with no mercy. So, don't come out if you're not willing to take a nice beating from a plastic bat," says organizer Mickey Hanning.
And, in fact, the girls...or bulls, plan to get serious. "We've had a few scratches in the past, but the biggest complaint last year was that weren't enough injuries. So we're going to be hitting a little bit harder this year," says Big Easy Rollergirl Dawn Edwards.
Hanning says injuries here don't tend to be as bad as those in Pamplona. "Nothing serious thus far...just a few minor scratches and a couple of flesh wounds," he says.
Listen to Don Ames' conversation with Hanning:
The three days of partying starts in the Quarter tonight. The San Fermin in Nueva Orleans will commence with El Txupinazo at Rio Mar Seafood Restaurant, 800 South Peters St., from 6-9pm.
After Saturday morning's encierro, the party continues at the Gazebo Cafe, 1018 Decatur St. with tapas style food, sangria, Marques de Caceres and Dona Paula wines, Stella Artois beer, Old New Orleans Rum and Port of Barcelona Gin drinks, Obsello Spanish Absinthe, Cult Energy Drink and live music.
Saturday night's Fiesta de Pantalones (Pants Party) at Chickie Wah Wah, 2828 Canal St. features Los Po-boy-Citos and Dr. Gumbo's Spanish Soundsystem, with doors opening at 8pm, and the show starting at 9pm.
Sunday's Pobre de Mi (Poor Me) at 12pm will close the festival at a soon-to-be disclosed venue. Revelers will have a
chance to relive the glory of SFNO 2009 and watch or participate in a Hemingway Contest, and lick their wounds.
For more information on all events, click the following link
http://www.nolabulls.com/sanFermin/default.asp
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