Running of the Bulls (San Fermín)

When: Annual, 6 - 14 July.

Where: Pamplona, Spain - the encierro runs from the corralillos on Calle de Santo Domingo through the old town to the Plaza de Toros.

Cost: Street viewing is free; paid options include balcony vantage points and afternoon bullfight tickets.

Don’t miss: The midday Txupinazo that launches the festival on 6 July, the daily 8:00 am runs and the closing “Pobre de Mi” ceremony.

Pamplona, Spain’s San Fermín festival is a mix of religious devotion, local tradition and popular spectacle centered on the morning encierros (bull runs). Its roots lie in medieval saint’s-day processions and livestock movements; the modern week combines processions, music, fireworks and bullfights made famous to foreigners by Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises.

Each morning a herd of bulls and steers runs through the narrow streets of the old town to the Plaza de Toros, escorted by runners and municipal staff; afternoons traditionally host bullfights at the arena and nights spill into the bars and plazas with bands and fireworks. The atmosphere is exuberant, crowded and intense - part celebration, part sporting event, with heavy police and medical presence along the route.

Pamplona holds San Fermín every year from 6 to 14 July; the festival always begins with the Txupinazo rocket on 6 July at noon and ends late on 14 July with the emotional “Pobre de Mi” farewell.

The encierros take place daily at 08:00 (check local notices each year); afternoons feature bullfights and evenings bring concerts, processions and fireworks, so the clearest rhythms are the morning run, the afternoon plaza events and nightly street festivities.

Pamplona has a small airport (PNA) with limited international services; most international travellers fly into Bilbao or Madrid and continue by train or long-distance bus to the city. The festival fills the city, so arrive at least one day early and book accommodation several months ahead to secure reasonable options.

• Pamplona is extremely crowded in July - book hotels or private rentals well in advance and confirm cancellations and check-in policies.
• If you plan to run: be sober, physically fit, follow police and marshal instructions and familiarise yourself with the official safety rules; many experienced visitors recommend watching rather than running.
• Dress the local way: white clothes with a red neckerchief are traditional for participants and watchers; wear sturdy shoes for cobbled streets.
• Morning runs start at 08:00 - expect early wakeups, loud crowds and strong sun later in the day; carry water, sun protection and ID.
• For the best views, book a balcony or a space in a sanctioned enclosure; street-level viewing can be chaotic and potentially dangerous.
• Respect local customs and the religious side of San Fermín, be mindful around animals, and consider travel insurance if you intend to participate in high-risk activities.