After an afternoon of winch servicing, rig checks and creating our provisions shopping list, we set off to watch the local "bull running" event.
It was extraordinary. We hiked up to the village of Sao Bento to find the square cleared, a marching band, and locals perched on to of all the walls and fences ready to watch the fun. 4 small containers sat in the square, each with a bull inside. Once the chosen bull had been tethered to a long rope (with 8 men at the far end to control it all the time) it was released into the streets, to be goaded by young men with capes and open umbrellas. The most entertaining part was watching the local men scarper out of harm's way whenever the bull came anywhere near. Once tired, the bull was led back to its box, and the next bull was released. At no point is the bull hurt intentionally, though we saw one slip over. Lots of beer was drunk and street food eaten. It was obviously a very popular local event- not many tourists around.