Running of the bulls (Tope de Toros)

The weekend before the Hipica (see earlier post of 11/4/2013), Granada hosts its very own running of the bulls, or "Tope de Toros."  It is much smaller in scale than Spain's, but it is dangerous and chaotic nonetheless.  Around 12 or so bulls are released into the street, but they are contained and corralled as much as possible by cowboys riding along side of them.  However, one or two inevitably "escape" and run wild through the town (as we witnessed).  People line up along the street to watch them, or meet them in various parts of the city to run with them.  The bulls run down one of the main roads in Granada, through the central park, ending up at Lake Cocibolco. 

Based on my distaste for large crowds, stories we'd heard of a large increase of pickpockets/criminals during this time, as well as stories of bystanders being gored or run into, we decided to reserve seats up on a balcony overlooking the central park and partake in the festivities from above.  It was such a great decision to have a reserved rooftop and table with food and drink, because we waited HOURS from the time it was supposed to start until the time when the bulls actually passed by. It also rained all day long... However, with the food & drink, a pool table, coloring books & crayons, and lots of people-watching, the waiting was not so bad.  When the bulls finally showed up, it was exciting for the second they were in front of us, but also a bit anti-climactic and disappointing.  But, the experience overall was interesting and something new for us--we enjoyed it.

A hustler in the making...

Coloring, waiting for the bulls, while enjoying our view of the Cathedral.

Flor de Cana is Nicaraguan rum. This is a mobile rum station, rolling
around selling shots, as well as a variety of mixers to go with your rum.

The crowds starting to arrive to watch the bulls pass by.

The first group of bulls go by.  We saw a wild one
running free, chased by several cowboys on horses a bit earlier than this.

Running into a roadblock to control where they go.

A sorry straggler.

The crowds chasing the bulls.

Our very own, very loud band hired by the restaurant during the event.

A cloudy, wispy view of Mombacho Volcano from the back balcony.