A day with the bulls

We have been trying to attend a Course Camarguaise (non-lethal, Camargue-style bull "races") this year.  The first one we wanted to see was cancelled, which we only learned about an hour before the event.  The second one we were considering was in an arena with a tiny capacity for audience.  Today, we drove to Salin-de-Giraud and enjoyed the event in a small arena (only 4 rows of seats).

The event was very festive, and most of the people attending it were locals.

Traditionally, Arlesiennes (women dressed in the classic style of Arles), precede the runners into the rink.

Six Arlesiennes

The Arlesiennes and the 10 runners

The runners try to remove strings and rosettes that have been affixed to the bulls horns.  We watched 3 bulls.  The runners often jumped the low wall around the arena to escape the bulls.  Today, 2 of the bulls jumped the wall.  This happens fairly often, so everyone knows what to do when the bull gets behind the wall.  Interesting experience.  No bulls were harmed.