When considering Spain holidays, you may be looking to find the best tapas restaurants, flamenco events or even bars offering the best sangria.
However, there is one other traditional aspect of Spanish culture which cannot be ignored - bullfighting.
Its practice attracts controversy and protest yet it remains a characteristic part of Spanish life.
The name 'bullfighting' commonly leads to misunderstanding as it is not a sport, but a performance.
The Torero (bullfighter) asserts his control and strength over the bull in a planned and elaborate act.
Reading the bull's behaviour to weaken the animal is the aim, resulting in the bull's ultimate demise.
Despite widespread objections to bullfighting, many Spaniards and tourists alike still gather to witness these spectacles throughout the country.
Sanfermin Festival, held in Pamplona in July each year, includes the infamous Running of The Bulls.
The bulls are let loose to run through the streets along with a group of daring participants surrounded by a lively crowd of onlookers.
In the afternoon, the bulls are taken to the ring for the bullfights which start around 6.
30pm.
However, many revellers are only there for the thrilling party atmosphere.
Sanfermin is essentially a huge street party festival.
A firework display marks the beginning of the celebrations which include a procession and the streets fill with music and dancing.
There are a number of cheap holiday deals available to Pamplona but it is advisable to book far in advance to beat the crowds to this popular event.
The El Toro is a rustic hotel in the quiet location of Berrioplano, just 5km from the city centre of Pamplona.
A stay here means you can enjoy the peace of the countryside while also being close to the celebrations.
In 2010, the parliament of Catalonia voted to ban bullfighting.
It is the first region in mainland Spain to enforce a ban, which will take effect in January 2012.
Catalonia with its capital of Barcelona is a thriving region containing two very different coastlines.
While the Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, in contrast, the miles of fine, golden sand contribute to making Costa Dorada holidays a popular choice for visitors.
The Plaza Monumental de Barcelona is the only functioning bullring left in Catalonia.
The bullfighting season usually finishes at the end of September so grab the chance to witness this tradition in the region before the ban comes into force.
If you're reluctant to see a bullfight but would like to know more about this practice, The Monumental also houses the Bullfighting Museum.
Here, you can learn all about bullfighting history and see plenty of artefacts which bring the stories to life.