San Fermin
The festival of San Fermín, or the Running of the Bulls as it’s more commonly known outside Spain, officially begins at midday on 6th July every year with the ‘Chupinazo’ which takes place on the balcony of the Casa Consistorial in Pamplona. Thousands of people congregate in the square awaiting the mayor’s official announcement that the fiestas have begun, a rocket is launched and the partying begins.
History of the Running of the Bulls
The history of the bullrunning in Pamplona is not clear. There is evidence of the festival from as far back as the 13th century when it seems the events took place in October as this coincided with the festival of San Fermín on October 10th. It seems that the modern day celebration has evolved from this as well as individual commercial and bullfighting fiestas which can be traced back to the 14th century.
Over many years the mainly religious festival of San Fermín was diluted by music, dancing, bullfights and markets such that the Pamplona Council proposed that the whole event be moved to July 7th when the weather is far more conducive to such a celebration. To this day San Fermin remains a fixed date every year with the first bullrun at 8am on July 7th and the last at the same time on July 14th.
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The first evidence of foreigners turning up in Pamplona for San Fermín are recorded in chronicles from the 17th and 18th centuries when reference is made to the local clergy being concerned about “the abuse of drink and the permisiveness of young men and women”. By now there was plenty music, dancing, drinking, street theatre and bull-running as the religious focus of the occasion took a back seat. By the 19th century all kinds of fairground attractions were making their way to Pamplona including human cannonballs and circus animals. The actual route of the bull run didn’t have a double security wall as is the case today so the bulls were able to escape, creating chaos in the streets of Pamplona.
It was thanks to the writing of American writer Ernest Hemingway that San Fermín developed the notoriety of today. The publication of his novel “The Sun Also Rises” in 1926 told the world about the Pamplona bull running festival which attracted people from all over the world to this annual festival. Such is the popularity of the event that overcrowding is a serious problem and if you’re planning on staying there then you should book accommodation many months in advance.
The Bull Run – El Encierro
The Pamplona bull run takes place at 8am every morning from 7th to 14th July (eight runs in total). Runners must be in the running area by 7.30am. The actual run stretches from the corral at Santo Domingo where the bulls are kept to the bullring where they will fight that same afternoon. The length of the run is 825 metres and the average time of the run from start to finish is about three minutes. The streets through the old town which make up the bull run are walled off so the bulls can’t escape. Each day six fighting bulls run the route as well as six steers (castrated bulls).
The tension builds as the release of the bulls approaches and at 8am on the dot a rocket is fired to confirm that the gate has been opened at the Santo Domingo corral. Runners dressed in white with a red handkerchief around their necks pray to San Fermín then a second rocket announces that the bulls have left. The bulls and the runners then proceed along the route.
First of all they climb Santo Domingo and go across the Ayuntamiento Square continuing down c/ Mercaderes. The most dangerous part of the bullrun approaches as there’s a closed curve leading into c/ Estafeta which is the longest stretch of the run. Next comes a small section of c/ Duque de Ahumada which is known as the Telefónica stretch. The last stretch is also very risky as the route leads into a dead end street providing access to the Bull Ring.
2. Cuesta de Santa Domingo
3. Plaza del Ayuntamiento
4. Curva de Mercaderes hacia Estafeta
5. Calle Estafeta
7. Callejón
8. Plaza de Toros
9. Plaza del Castillo
A third rocket is set off once all the bulls have entered the bullring and the fourth, and final, rocket means that the bulls are now in the bullpen and the bullrun has finished. The vast number of people taking part in the bullrun nowadays adds to the already considerable danger of running alongside wild bulls weighing in the region of 700kg each.
A word of warning … With the drinks flowing and the party in full swing you could be forgiven for forgetting that running the bulls is an extremely dangerous activity. Under no circumstances should you even consider running if you’re intoxicated. Not only are drunken people a risk to themselves they are also a risk to everyone else. There are plenty security guards and first aid personnel but there is little they can do during the running of the bulls such that 15 people have died and over 200 been seriously injured since 1924.
Watching the Bullrunning
Street: You can stand behind the fences that mark the route of the bullrun but you need to arrive by around 6.30am to get the best spots on the top of the fence directly overlooking the run. Another good spot is in front of the museum on c/ Santo Domingo where there isn’t a fence but the best spots here are usually taken before 6am leaving you with a cold two hour wait before the run starts.
Private Balconies: A great alternative is to get yourself onto a balcony overlooking the bullrun. You might be lucky enough to meet someone who invites you onto their terrace, alternatively, ask in the tourist information office (c/ Esclava, 1).
Plaza de Toros: Your only other options are to go to the bullring and watch the end as the bulls (and some terrified runners) arrive in the arena. Alternatively, you could head for a bar and watch the bull run which is shown live every morning on national TV.
Take a look at this incredible video produced by Spanish TV (RTVE) on 13th July 2013. It portrays all the tension and excitement of the bullrun culminating in horrific scenes at the entrance to the bullring where some runners had fallen which led to a major crush that blocked the entrance of the bulls. More injuries resulted that day than for many years.
Watching the Bullfights
On every evening of the fiesta beginning at 6.30pm on 7th July there is a bullfight in the Pamplona bullring. Tickets for the bullfights are sold out well in advance as the arena only holds 12,500 people. Every evening after the day’s bullfight some tickets go on sale for the next evening’s event at the ‘taquillas’ at the bull ring. You’ll usually find ticket touts operating around the Plaza de Toros during the day and before the bullfight selling at elevated prices.
Getting to Pamplona
Whilst there are no international flights into Pamplona Airport, you can fly to Madrid or Barcelona (seasonal) then take a connecting domestic service to get there. The airport is only 6km from the city centre. There are regular train services from Barcelona, Madrid and San Sebastian to Pamplona as well as frequent bus services. For more detailed information on how to get to Pamplona take a look at our comprehensive Pamplona Travel Guide.
Where to Stay in Pamplona
The city of Pamplona simply isn’t big enough to accommodate the vast number of people who flock there during Sanfermines. It’s more or less impossible to book Pamplona Hotels at short notice so if you want the comfort of a hotel bed you should consider booking many months in advance. Similary budget accommodation in hostels gets fully booked a long time before the event so planning your visit some time ahead is crucial.
Booking.com
My personal preference is to book a place on the campsite in Pamplona which lies about 7km from the city centre. Whilst it is also packed throughout the week of the fiestas they do take security seriously and offer bus transport in and out of town. The free campsite that appears near the Ezcaba campsite during the fiestas is another option but isn’t recommended for security reasons as petty crime is rife during San Fermin. Similarly sleeping in parks along with many others should be avoided for the same reason
An alternative to staying in Pamplona is to book a hotel in San Sebastian, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Estella and make the early morning trip to the bull run from there. The trouble is that getting public transport early enough in the morning to see the bullrun can prove impossible so this option is only really viable if you have your own vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every year in the run-up to San Fermín we receive the same questions about the fiestas. Here they are together with answers:
How Much Does it Cost to Run with the Bulls?
Whilst this does come as a surprise to many people who ask this question, there is no need to pay to run the bulls or even register for that matter. All you have to do is head for Plaza Consistorial near the start of the route preferably before 7am. Don’t turn up just before 8am as you’ll be too late to get a spot and don’t wait along Calle Estafeta as the police will clear everyone off this street before the bullrun commences.
Can Women Run With The Bulls?
Yes, there is nothing to stop women from participating although they tend to be very few in numbers. It’s very rare to see any Spanish females running, the majority normally seem to be Aussies.
The Navarra Tourist Board website is a handy resource for tourism information in this part of Spain.
Please do not send me any more disgusting rubbish relating to bullfighting or their torture. I hope the Spanish government do the decent thing and ban it. It only appeals to the lowlife from our country on package holidays.
Michael Waugh, you have absolutely no idea about Spanish culture, it’s traditions or lifestyle. Bullfighting has been an integral part of the culture for centuries. You have the personal choice not to attend the corridas or festivals, but do NOT try to force your personal bigoted opinions on others in order to try to influence their choices. Many of us who live in Spain enjoy the fiestas and bullfights. Long may it be so!
Shame on Spain for still allowing this to happen – somewhat contradictory to their animal welfare laws. There should be no place for barbaric acts in this day and age – irrespective of tradition or culture – we are supposed to now be in a civilised age. The majority of Spanish people I know abhor such practices.
In the UK we used to stick children up chimneys – do supporters of the cruel traditions suggest the British go back to that too?
Shame to on “Spanish Fiestas” for promoting the torture and killing of animals too.
Please note the name of this website … “Spanish Fiestas”
This is a barbaric tradition.
Human lives are more important then animal lives. It says so in most every religions holy text. Even if your not religious, most people would still agree human lives are more important. Its why firefighters save the children before their pet turtles. Bull fighting is part of Spanish culture and should be aloud to be practiced safely by anyone who wishes too.
In areas of the middle east it is a “cultural tradition” to beat (tenderizes the meat) then skin and/or cook dogs and cats while they are still alive. I suppose since it is a “cultural tradition” that’s just fine also.
Excellent reply to the silly comment that bullfighting is OK since it’s a part of culture. Also, it’s a part of culture in some countries to beat women and to kill them in the name of honor. Such utter rubbish. Ban it NOW!
TORTURE IS NOT CULTURE!!! AND TRADITION DOES NOT MAKE IT RIGHT!!!!! ITS A DISGUSTING ARCHAIC TRADITION WHICH NO CIVILISED SOCIETY WOULD ENDORSE!
Bullfighting is already banned by law in many countries, including Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Italy and the United Kingdom,Costa Rica, Mexico City.
Even 72%spaniards hate the animal abuse ,the mexicans at 84%. 78% of Colombians and 73.5 percent of Peruvians are against bullfighting due to animal cruelty!!!
Bull running is not only stressful for the animals involved, but dangerous as well.
Since this happens openly in the streets of the town, CHILDREN are also a witness to the HORRIFIC and VIOLENT scene of a panic-stricken bull!!!!VIOLENCE BRINGS VIOLENCE!
KEEP IN MIND FREEDOM OF SPEECH TO VOICE AN OPINION IS STILL ALLOWED IN 2016!!! AND THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD LIKE MYSELF WHO CARE ABOUT THE BULLS!!!
These are the virtues you want to teach future generations,to torment innocent animals??????
TORTURE IS NOT CULTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bullfighting does not happen in the streets, the running of the bulls does. It began because they were running them to the market. From what I learned years ago (it could have changed), they are still running them to the market. As for the actual bullfights, yes I agree they are cruel, but the bull’s meat is actually being used/sold so it isn’t a complete loss. Children are not exposed to bullfights unless they purchase a ticket to go to the event inside a closed arena or watch it on television.
shame on Spain
FIFTEEN PEOPLE HAVE DIED! DIED! 200 HAVE BEEN INJURED!!! Do you think that that’s okay? And what about the bulls? They don’t exactly get to choose whether or not they participate that barbaric sort of thing! Tradition is tradition, but a life is a life! Death is irreversible. Just think about that.
People have died. Powerful, majestic bulls have been tortured to death against their will. 200 are injured. And still, you are convinced it is the right thing? I’m disgusted. And I feel I am not the only one who is.
shutup feminazi
now u people are trying to shut a Hispanic tradition and culture when you all claim that you are for inclusiveness
We girls got ourselves from Greece to the 1981 Running of the Bulls except women were forbidden to run. We stayed in the free camping area along with 50 odd Kombi vans. Each day my friends and I would catch the bus or walk in the beautiful morning air. Dressed in NRL football jerseys of their home suburbs we Australian girls would stand on the fences perching for hours. The boys would run past wearing their red scarves and sashes. We sat in the bullring picking out the colorful jerseys. It was raw traditional culture. The beer and sangria literally turned the streets red. The music was loud, the procession of costumes with large heads making us feel like we were on another planet. Never to be forgotten. We had to leave after a week as the sanitation and the cleanliness of the stream we all bathed in and washed our dishes in began to affect our health. But Pamplona had only whet our appetite for our fabulous adventures in Spain. For another 10 weeks we travelled, stayed for ferias, drank sherry, learned to Sevillian dance, learned to ride a donkey and lived in a mill for 3 weeks. Hasta La Vista España!
Wow – what a great time you had in Spain. The fiestas are more popular than ever with Aussies. Thanks Karen.
I think the San Fermines Festival is one of the many festivals that are unique to Spain, while visiting you can also visit the neighbouring towns of interest like Sanguesa and of course, the castle of San Javier.
Thanks Vanessa … I guess few visitors to the fiestas take the time to discover the lovely region of Navarra
I have lived in Spain for 10 years and I have witnessed horrendous cruelties inflicted upon bulls and other animals, what sort of people would tie fireworks to the horns of bulls and laugh when they go crazy, bullfighting is a cowards way of fighting as they cut the tendons in the bulls neck before the “brave” matador gets near it so’s it can’t toss its head to the side only up and down, try fighting the bull without mutilating it first.
For me, any bullfighter or runner that gets killed or injured is a great big hooray for the bull, Spain is a cruel country as I’m sure Gerry you will know what I’m talking about.
lets agree to disagree
i agree with you!!! may the bulls find justice and gore each and every runner or bullfighter to shreds!!!!
I too prefer ‘Death in the Afternoon’ for a fascinating read about Hemingway’s love affair with bullfighting
Having seen many bullfights in my youth back in the 70s, and having studied it extensively I considered myself a true ‘aficionado’. Now much more mature, married with children, and a broader understanding of the ethics I do think it’s a cruel ‘sport’ that such a magnificent animal can be reduced to nothing in 15 minutes. Having said that, my wife and I went to Madrid a couple of years ago and couldn’t resist going to a corrida at Las Ventas to soak up the atmosphere, the pageantry, the skill…..and alas the cruelty. I guess I have to admit to being a hypocrite.
I agree. Culture Smelter — torturing bulls for your own human whim is ………… let’s say, bull-shit. Bullfighting in its current form should be illegal. Fight the bull without any weaponry and pointed objects; just you and the bull. And once the dance ends hopefully with human and bull intact, go your merry way to live another day.
¡QUE VIVAN LOS SANFERMINES!
“. . . suenen parches y clarines.”
Feria que honra a San Fermín,
glorificado, . . . sin fin,
patrono fiel de Navarra,
mártir de la fe bizarra.
Pamplona, se cuece aparte,
sede del taurino arte,
Pompeyo, su fundador,
por designio del Creador.
Fiesta, júbilo, alegría,
seis de julio, mediodía,
la Casa Consistorial,
sobria, de rancio historial.
Contengamos el aliento,
balcón del Ayuntamiento,
voz, envuelta de promesas:
“Pamploneses, pamplonesas”.
(grito), ¡Viva San Fermín!,
(grito), ¡gora San Fermín!,
estruendo del chupinazo
que preludia un agasajo.
El “Riau-Riau”, siempre se extraña,
costumbre que nos hermana,
portando rojo pañuelo,
la gente cumple su anhelo.
Respetuosa procesión,
San Fermín, una oración,
religiosidad, fervor,
la paz, candoroso amor.
Con danzas tradicionales,
los trajes originales,
gigantes y cabezudos,
muchos de ellos “sombrerudos”.
Lindo recital de jotas,
escuchen que bellas notas,
las mulillas, caballeros,
que desfilan muy sinceros.
Suenan Bandas Musicales,
sus tonadas celestiales,
sublime Teatro de Calle,
toro de fuego, . . . no falle.
Las luces artificiales,
centellas, truenos cordiales;
¡las ocho de la mañana!,
el corazón es campana.
Cánticos de los ancestros,
suelten toros, los cabestros,
“encierros” de largo trecho,
que no haya humano maltrecho.
Sorteando cuernos y retos,
más de ochocientos metros,
muchos pies trotan de prisa,
sudor, en la frente . . . brisa.
San Fermín, destreza, suerte,
si no, las heridas, muerte,
peñas van comprometidas,
entusiastas, encendidas.
Marejada, corredores,
a la Plaza entran Señores,
¡que vivan los Sanfermines!,
arenas que son jardines.
España, la madre patria,
su cultura, su prosapia,
leyenda, verbena, magia,
¡que venga la tauromaquia!
Las velas, pañuelos, manto,
albricia se vuelve llanto,
“Pobre de mí”, entristecida,
la canción de despedidas
Autor: Lic. Gonzalo Ramos Aranda
México, D. F., a 06 de julio del 2015
Reg. SEP Indautor No. (en trámite)
Shame on you Spain for letting this still happen. These bulls go through horrendous torture and it’s disgusting. Animal cruelty should have no place in today’s society and why some awful people want to watch this happen is beyond me!
I totally agree. Bullfighting in its current form is repulsive and not an indicator of bravery. Just the opposite. Those that participate and support bullfighting are cowards. Reverse the position — humanfighting and see much you’d like that.
Can anyone tell me if they still feed the audience and give them wine? In 1960 I was at Pamplona fights (saw Dominguin) and they passed out food and red wine. It was helpful as we camped and did not have easy access to food
Bull fights are harsh yes. The bull run itself (which is what this article is abort) isn’t cruel to the Bulls. They run, knock people over, then run through to an arena. The Bulls can be pardoned by the arena to be spared from killing, otherwise they are killed humanity. They are treated like royalty up until this run, which is a lot better than slaughterhouse animals.
Sick sick culture- the people that enjoy terrorising and ultimately inflicting a long cruel death on these quiet calm animals. Torture Voyeurs are those that are involved in supporting the bull runs, fiestas and fights. Culture, tradition, stupidity are not valid reasons for continuing torturing any animals
most awesome bullfighting festival in Portugal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEa7BVPosZ8
awesome bullfighting festival,bull fighting accidents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkztN3km0uU
This is a great resource about running of the bulls. We just went to Pamplona for San Fermin for the first time and had a blast – here is a brief video if anyone is interested https://youtu.be/arS5m1CPKDE
Ran in 2012. What an awesome experience. When I arrived in the arena, the sky was bluer and the sun brighter. Wow!
The bullfighting and atmosphere was so incredible that my wife demanded we go again the next day. Incredible. Viva Espania!
If you want to be informed about animal cruelty, then go visit any of the hundreds of corporate poultry, dairy or pig farms throughout the US that every grocery store buys from. Now that’s incredible cruelty.
I did the running of the bulls in 2013. We stayed in an airbnb which was a 10 minute bus ride away from the town centre. Would have been handy to have read up your insightful blog before going. Thought I would leave you with my personal account: https://www.travelendar.com/event/running-of-the-bulls-san-fermin/