Protest ahead of Pamplona's running of the bulls

Protesters have made their voices heard ahead of the opening of the Pamplona running of the bulls festival in Spain.

Animal rights activists are calling for a “festival without blood” and staged a protest with a difference.

Dozens of men and women stripped off and covered themselves in red powder.

The week-long San Fermin festival starting on Thursday attracts tens of thousands of participants, but also a lot of controversy.

The protesters argue the bull runs and bullfights should be banned on the grounds of cruelty.

Blood often flows among the public as well, with many people injured.

And 15 people have been killed since records began in the early 1900s.