aixcentric

High drama in Arles on Tuesday during a photo-shoot at the Roman Arena when three bulls got seriously spooked.

A Belgian photographer, working on a poster for a forthcoming event, had lined up an Arlesienne (young local in traditional dress), 6 raseteurs (runners in traditional white) and 3 bulls from the Camargue with their gardians (herdsmen).  One bull became restless and was put back in the lorry then the other two bolted.  The Arlesienne was knocked over and bruised, and everyone went in pursuit of the escaping animals.

Bull 2 was captured outside the Arena, but Bull 3 charged down to the Rhone and swam across to Trinquetaille on the other side.  It ran along the big dyke, scattering joggers – one poor lady was injured and had to be hospitalised – before the gardians from its manade managed to recapture the panicking animal.

It’s a very unusual event obviously.  These bulls are often photographed and travel to agricultural fairs in different parts of France, including Paris.  The head of the manade, bemused by the situation, could only think that with so many events cancelled by Covid, the bulls had grown insular and not used to human contact.  A traumatic day for many in Arles.