Running of the bulls - The Sanmiguelada

The Sanmiguelada, one of the most important festival events for over 30 years, draws multitudes of young Mexicans, who come to participate in the running of the bulls and to enjoy San Miguel nightlife. This event takes place on the fourth Saturday of September, this year on Saturday 23. The Sanmiguelada is the second most important and best-attended national celebration for young people around the country, following the Cervantino in Guanajuato, celebrated every October.

This year, authorities are expecting 2,000 tourists in addition to a crowd of more than 20,000 who will congregate at noon in the Jardín to participate in the Pamplona-style celebration. Following the fireworks that announce the beginning of the Sanmiguelada, thousands of brave (or perhaps foolhardy) people run into the streets, followed closely by eight furious bulls. The event ends two hours later when the traditional Fiesta Brava (bullfight) in the Plaza de Toros Oriente on calle Recreo begins. Afterward, youngsters of all ages take over the restaurants, bars, nightclubs and even the streets of the city to party all night long. However, alcohol consumption is only allowed within restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and police officers as well as civic protection officers and Red Cross volunteers patrol calles Hidalgo, Reloj, Mesones, Sollano and Barranca to prevent alcohol consumption during and after the bullfighting celebration.