Running of the Bulls at Gallier Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 12, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
As the relentless summer sun began its ascent over the Crescent City, thousands of revelers, clad in a sea of white with splashes of vibrant red, descended upon the historic streets surrounding Gallier Hall this morning. It wasn't Pamplona, but rather the inimitable "San Fermin in Nueva Orleans", the city's delightfully unhinged take on the age-old Spanish tradition, where ferocious beasts are traded for formidable roller derby girls armed with wiffle ball bats. And true to form, the 19th annual installment did not disappoint.
From the pre-dawn hours, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation, camaraderie, and the distinct aroma of caffeine and perhaps a pre-run Bloody Mary or two. By 6:30 AM, Gallier Hall, the majestic former City Hall, was a bustling hub. Live music pumped through the air, encouraging impromptu dance-offs, while food trucks dished out everything from breakfast burritos to beignets, fueling the brave (or perhaps, foolish) souls preparing for their encounter with the "RollerBulls."
The highlight, of course, was the "Encierro" itself, kicking off promptly at 8:00 AM after a colorful procession and invocation to Saint Fermin. Thousands of runners, a mix of seasoned veterans, wide-eyed first-timers, and a healthy contingent of visitors drawn to the unique spectacle, surged forward. Their objective: outmaneuver the legion of "bulls," primarily composed of the Big Easy Rollergirls and their counterparts from across the nation, who charged through the streets on skates, horns adorning their helmets, and plastic bats swinging with playful menace.
The route, winding through the Central Business District and Warehouse District, became a hilarious and exhilarating gauntlet. Shrieks of mock terror mingled with peals of laughter as runners dodged and weaved, some showing surprising agility, others succumbing gleefully to a well-aimed whack on the backside. The RollerBulls, dressed in their signature red and black, were a force of nature, their dedication to their roles evident in every determined glide and enthusiastic thwack. It’s a testament to New Orleans’ spirit that an event so inherently absurd can be executed with such commitment and good humor, all while raising significant funds for Beth's Friends Forever, a charity supporting women battling cancer.
After the dust (and glitter) settled around noon, the festivities seamlessly transitioned into the post-run "La Fiesta de Pantalones" at Espiritu Mezcaleria. The early start meant many participants were quite literally running on fumes and enthusiasm, a hallmark of any true New Orleans celebration.
While the Spanish "Encierro" is synonymous with genuine danger, New Orleans' version offers a distinct blend of thrilling chaos and undeniable safety. There are no gorings here, only good-natured bruises and unforgettable memories. The creativity in costuming, both from runners who often elaborate on the traditional white-and-red theme, and the elaborately horned and decorated "bulls," was a spectacle in itself, cementing this event as a visual feast as much as a physical one.
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans isn't just a run, it's a testament to the city's ability to take any tradition, sprinkle it with its unique brand of irreverence and joy, and transform it into an unforgettable party. As the last of the red sashes disappeared into the downtown thoroughfares, it was clear that New Orleans had once again proven its mastery of the festive, the eccentric, and the unequivocally good time.
The Story Behind Beth's Friends Forever
You might not know Beth and Mickey Hanning personally, but you've likely heard of San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO), also known as The Running of the Bulls in New Orleans, the popular 4-day festival they co-founded. Just before the eighth annual event, Mickey noticed a lump on Beth's breast. Although her recent breast cancer screening was clear and she hadn't noticed it herself, Beth wisely scheduled an appointment for the day after SFNO. On July 24, 2014, a biopsy confirmed the news: Beth had breast cancer.
Fortunately, a year earlier, Mickey had enrolled them in a supplemental cancer policy through his employer. This policy proved crucial, as their primary health insurance didn't cover all the costs of Beth's treatment. This personal experience became the catalyst for Beth's Friends Forever (BFF).
Mickey shared his experience with Scott Galante, a close friend and fellow cyclist. Since 2010, their Team Nola Bulls Cycling Squad has raised nearly $500,000 for various charities, primarily through organized bike rides. During one long ride together, while Beth was undergoing chemotherapy, Scott and Mickey realized they could leverage their fundraising expertise to help women in the New Orleans area. They recognized that many women couldn't afford supplemental insurance or simply needed extra support during their cancer battles.
Beginning in 2015, SFNO and Team Nola Bulls dedicated their efforts to supporting Beth's Friends Forever. The organization's mission is to supplement the resources of women fighting cancer in the Greater New Orleans area.
Running of the Bulls
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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