The running of the bulls is the marquee event of the week-long fiesta, named for Pamplona's patron saint, San Fermin.

CNN: Annual running of the bulls begins in Spain, 1 gored

Among the favourites is a former mayor of Caracas, Claudio Fermin, who also has been tarred with charges of corruption.

ECONOMIST: Venezuela

On November 10th, one independent, Claudio Fermin, dropped out of the race.

ECONOMIST: The colonel rides on

Cynics wonder whether Mr Fermin's passion is for democracy or power.

ECONOMIST: Venezuela

Last week it expelled its presumed standard-bearer for 1998, Claudio Fermin.

ECONOMIST: Venezuela