Bull run

Capture of a successful attempt to slow down and stop a young bull at the annual bull run (course des taureaux) in Fontvieille, southern France. The bulls are not really mistreated, but there is some discussion about this age-old custom. Surely, young men are demonstrating their masculinity in this event, just as the toreadors do in the bull fights in Spanish arenas, but there are no dead or injured bulls after the event, which makes a big difference. The horses these men are riding are all of the Camargue breed. The culture of the town of Fontvieille is closely related to that of north-eastern Spain; many of the older people in Fontvieille speak Occitan. Your comments are very welcome.

A strong hard documentary shot, Vincent! Excellent captured! Dynamic shadows enhance the result. It seems that most viewers perceive this with calm curiosity. I noticed only two ladies in the background behind the bull, who are worried about the participants of the action. Bravo! Sincerely, Tatiana

A very beautiful image that documents well these popular traditions of your regions as you have very well exposed in the presentation of this photo, ciao Giangiorgio

Hi Tatiana,

 

thank you for your thoughtful comments! Yes, the viewers of this spectacle do not show much empathy with what's happening to either the bulls or the young men trying to stop them. It's an outing for them; maybe it was different for me because I never saw a bull run before. I was somehow shaken by the rawness of this event that is clearly from another era, but is still very much alive here. It is not a violent event, but both guys stopping the bull suffered some light injuries. Even young bulls are forces to be reckoned with. I couldn't resist the paradox of a street with a 30 km p/h sign, a souvenir shop, a bank and the sign that points the way to the city hall and guys on horses and on foot who are stopping the forces of nature in a most primitive way. Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Giangiorgio,

 

thank you for your beautiful words! But I am not from southern France, although my photos may seem to indicate that. I am from the Netherlands and a great lover of southern French culture and way of life. I was impressed by this event, maybe because of the 'clash' of this region's love for tradition and the mere speed with which my fellow countrymen seem to be eager to abolish everything traditional. Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Vincent: At the beginning I thought it was a common image, but watching carefully ... it made me smile !!!! You have captured a good moment here! Kind Regards, Rosario.

Hi Rosario,

 

thank you for your friendly comment! During this event, there was a lot of action and I shot many photos; but there was rarely an opportunity to capture a scene like this one without people blocking my sight, so I'm glad to have this image. Kind regards, Vincent

What a beautiful capture of a dramatic moment! Compliments! PDE

Hi Pierre,

 

thank you for your friendly comment! I'm happy to have captured this moment. Kind regards, Vincent