BULLFIGHT
Outside of Spain the love of bulls is a passion that exists in Nīmes and is the highpoint of the festive season in the city. The Feria de Pentecōte or Whitsun Feria attracts more than one million visitors. It is also the wildest of the ferias and it lasts for five days over the Whitsun weekend. It is the period in which the bull is king although he does finish badly. This feria boasts the participation of fighters of the highest level. It gives the city a real party atmosphere when many towns' folk open up wine stands. The feria consists of the corridas that conclude in the killing of the bull. There are also the courses libres, a semi amateur event in which a herd of bulls are allowed to run through the streets and the brave or stupid attempt to grab the cocards from their horns. There are two other important ferias in the city, one takes place in February in the arena when the inflatable roof is drawn over the amphitheatre to provide protection from the seasonal weather and the other at the harvest of the vines in the third week of September known as the Feria des Vendenges. The city is overcrowded during these times of year so it is advisable to book in advance if you want to stay in the city. While you may not be enticed by the sport itself, the party atmosphere of the city during these feria is definitely worth a visit.
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