Bull running in Pamplona - Valencia Costa Blanca

Bull running in Pamplona

Every year from July 7th-14th thousands pack into Pamplona to start Spains most famous bull-running fiesta to honour Navarre capitals patron saint, San Fermin.

Bull running in Pamplona

The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, is an iconic event held annually during the San Fermín festival from July 6th to 14th. This thrilling tradition dates back to the 14th century, combining elements of Spanish culture, history, and folklore. Each morning at 8 AM, brave participants, dressed in white with red neckerchiefs, run through the narrow streets of Pamplona alongside a group of six bulls and six steers. The course covers approximately 875 meters, leading to the city’s bullring.

The event is both exhilarating and perilous, attracting thousands of spectators and runners from around the world. Despite stringent safety measures, injuries are common, adding to the high-stakes excitement. The bulls are later used in the evening’s bullfights, continuing the tradition of Spanish bullfighting.

The Running of the Bulls is more than just an adrenaline-fueled dash; it is a celebration deeply rooted in Spanish heritage, embodying the spirit of camaraderie, bravery, and festivity. The week-long San Fermín festival also features parades, fireworks, music, and cultural displays, making Pamplona a vibrant hub of activity during this period. The event’s blend of danger, tradition, and festivity ensures its enduring allure and global fame.

When the bulls finally reach the end of the street, they go into pens and are kept until later that day they are killed in a bullfight.

Pamplona Bull Run Street Map
Pamplona bull run map The length of the run is 826 meters (.513 miles) and goes through 4 streets
of the old part of the village (Santo Domingo, Town Hall Square, Mercaderes and Estafeta) and a section called “Telefónica” before entering into the bullring.[2] The fastest part of the route is up Santo Domingo and across the Town Hall Square, but the bulls often became separated at the entrance to Estafeta Street as they slow down. One or more would slip going into the turn at Estafeta, but with the use of the new anti-slip surfacing, most of the bulls negotiate the turn onto Estafeta and are often ahead of the steers.

The Pamplona Running of the Bulls is a part of the San Fermin Festival, which runs in Pamplona from July 6 to July 14 each year.

The events of Pamplonas San Fermin Festival are as follows:

July 6 – The opening day is different from the other days of the festival.
12noon – the opening ceremony, known as the chupinazo.
11pm – fireworks and general partying. This continues throughout the festival!
July 7-14 – Each day of the festival is the same.
8am – the running of the bulls takes place.
6.30pm – bullfighting in the citys bullring, with the bulls that ran that morning.
11pm – more partying!