During my time in Spain, I went to one of the most famous summer festivals in Spain (Pamplona) called San Fermín. Also better known as Running of the Bulls. Let me tell you everything about this event.
The Festival San Fermín
San Fermín takes place from the 6th until the 14th of July each year in honor of San Fermin, the patron saint of Navarra. It is mainly celebrated outside in the streets with daily parades, bullfights, and fireworks.
During the day you mainly hang out in the streets, parks or plazas and enjoy yourself. You can expect lots of singing, dancing, drinking, and non-stop partying.
How to dress up
You dress up in white pants and a shirt, together with a red scarf around your neck and a red sash around your hip. Then you buy yourself a special bottle (Botella de vino) where you put Sangria inside and carry it around like a bag.
Occasionally you drink from it or (if you are not so thirsty yourself) splash it onto others. That way their white clothes will be soaked in wine and turn rosa, plus they’ll get all sticky.
PRO TIP: The correct way to wear the red sash is on the left side of your body. If you wear it on the other side, you will be identified as a tourist.
Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
The “Running of the Bulls“ itself is just one event of San Fermín where you are able to run with the bulls every morning at 8 o’clock for one whole week except for the opening day.
The run is less than 1km and goes through 4 streets of the city where the end leads into the arena. Usually, the runners are not the inhabitants themselves but crazy and drunk tourists.
They often put the bull by their horns or jump over them. Some of the bulls are baby bulls or bulls where the horns are not sharp, but rather look like they were cut off. That way they can’t hurt anyone even if they catch you. Obviously, they can still stamp on you though if you are on the ground.
What are the requirements to join the running of the bulls?
Basically, everyone can apply to run with the bulls, if the following requirements are met:
- No intoxicated runners (alcohol, drugs)
- No electronics (phone, camera, etc.)
- No high heels, flip flops or other kinds of sandals
How much does it cost?
The running with the bulls is free of charge, but sitting in the arena costs money.
How to get tickets?
If you are from Pamplona, you can subscribe to get tickets way in advance. Often 90% of tickets actually go to Pamplonese subscribers.
The best way to get tickets as a tourist for a reasonable price is from so-called scalpers – people who resell their ticket to you. You will find those people around the arena/Plaza de Toros most of the time. However, there are loads of scams, so be particularly careful.
Another way is to purchase tickets with a tour operator in advance, but be aware that you will be overpaying for sure. At least you get what you want without much effort.
Finally, the most difficult tickets to find are the ones for the bullfight (“rejoneo”) on the 6th (opening day).
Fun Fact
There is a nude running one day before the opening ceremony of San Fermín. You will see lots of animal rights activists who protest against animal cruelty and will be wearing bull horns, white underwear, red scarfs, etc.
My Opinion about the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
I had mixed feelings, to be honest. Of course, it was entertaining, but we should not forget that those animals can get hurt and suffer physically and emotionally as well.
However, for the people who don’t want to see blood, I recommend to go and watch a so-called “recortadores” – an acrobatic performance where the bull is not even touched.
Or you can visit another of Spain’s many festivals, such as La Feria de Malaga in the south.
Has anyone of you been to Pamplona as well? What are your thoughts on it?
Sixtina,
thank you so much for sharing this! It’s really helpful. I have some questions since I am going in 2022 for sure.
Where do you recommend we stay? for a family of 3 with a 2-year-old.
I read that I can run with the bull for free but sitting in the arena cost money. Is there a specific area where the runners meet? Are there websites I can monitor to get tickets?
Do you recommend we get the family situated in the arena or a balcony?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Alex,
happy to hear you found the article useful. On your questions, I do need to disappoint you though, as I don’t know the answers. I only went there for literally 24h and stayed up all night and slept a bit in the grass on the train station, so I cannot provide recommendations for accommodation.
About the running, I did not run, but my friends did. You have to gather around the arena somewhere before 6 or 7am I think it was. I did get a ticket from someone from the street to sit in the arena and watch my friends. So again, I am unable to help out with websites where to get tickets (I think people buy them like a year in advance) or the exact place where the runners gather.
I think a balcony could be fun because some streets were super super super crowded and maybe not the best place with a 2 year old. On the balconies you might enjoy the view of the crowded streets and have a bit of space, even though I am sure people will squeeze on them, unless you book your own.
Sorry to not be more helpful, but I wish you loads of fun next year 🙂