Spanish tradition gets rolling on skates

Pamplona, Spain and New Orleans have St. Fermin Day in common, but that's about as far as it goes.

There were no casualties in these streets last weekend save those who chose to get up early to meet the "bulls" after a late night out on the town. Our toro's wear fishnet and tutus and never deliver a fatal blow.


















In fact, participants of New Orleans' run with the bulls celebration line up to receive a bat on the bum. Though it helps by starting the day with a Bloody Mary, it's not difficult to get in the spirit when you see the Big Easy Roller Girls churning down the French Quarter streets and into the CBD.

I was surprised to meet roller derby skaters from Birmingham, Ala. and Jackson, Miss., just here for the San Fermin in Nueva Orleans festival, so none would go without a thump on the bump.