1. Introduction to the San Fermin Festival
2. Schedule and Activities during the Festival
3. What to Expect in 24 Hours
4. Different Ways to Experience San Fermin
Bullfighting is deeply rooted within global historic traditions. However, local public opinion leans against the tradition. Nonetheless, the site includes information for tourists interested in attending the events. iBestTravel trusts its readers to make their own decisions on the ethics of bullfighting as an attraction.
The Pamplona Running of the Bulls takes place daily as part of the San Fermin Festival, occurring each year from July 6 to July 14. In 2018, the festival begins on Friday at noon with the traditional lighting of El Chupinazo, a giant rocket shot off from Pamplona’s town hall to officially start 204 hours of non-stop partying.
To properly prepare for your trip, ensure that you arrange accommodations for the Running of the Bulls well in advance to avoid higher fees and overbooked hotels. Moreover, familiarize yourself with comprehensive guides to Pamplona so you know what to expect before you arrive. However, if you cannot attend the Pamplona run, there are numerous other bull runs and other festivals in Spain throughout the summer.
The daily schedule of events (with exceptions for the opening and closing ceremonies) consists of an 8 a.m. bull run, a 6:30 p.m. bullfight in the city’s bullring featuring the bulls that ran that morning, and further festivities commencing at 11 p.m. On the festival’s first day, July 6, there will additionally be an 11 p.m. fireworks show to officially kick off the week’s celebrations, parties, and unofficial religious processions.
What to Expect in a Typical 24 Hours of San Fermin
The Running of the Bulls and San Fermin Festival are a continuous party; consequently, you may need to adjust to staying up all night and sleeping during the day for an optimal experience in Spain this summer.
Celebrations commence around 11 p.m. with a nightly firework display. Following the show, the crowd disperses to various city areas to continue celebrating in the streets. If you wish to embrace the local scene, follow the younger crowd to Plaza Castillo, where you’ll find live music, discos, street musicians, as well as plenty of food and drink options.
The music and dancing will continue well past 2 a.m. (when many bars in the U.S. close) — parties persist throughout the night at the San Fermin Festival. However, between 3 to 7 a.m., find a vantage point to watch the forthcoming bull run for the best view of the daily Pamplona Running of the Bulls. At around 7:45, prepare your camera; the action unfolds quickly — at times in as little as 10 seconds!
The official bull run begins at 8 a.m. when the participants chant “Reno de San Fermin,” a blessing to Saint Fermin stating, “A San Fermín pedimos, or ser nuestro patrón, nos guíe en el encierro dándonos su bendición.” Once the bulls are released, the run to the bullring lasts approximately 15 minutes.
From 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., the city remains quiet as most locals are resting. If you lack accommodations, you may find a few shops and restaurants open, though many people prefer to sleep in parks or seek shade outside the city during the afternoon. If you plan to run, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the route alongside someone who has previously participated.
At 4 p.m., make your way to the Pamplona bullring, purchase your tickets, and take your seat in the stands. The bullfights start at 5 p.m. and are typically followed by a light dinner before the next round of festivities begins at 11 p.m.
Different Ways to Experience San Fermin
Based on your age, energy level, tolerance for crowds and sleep deprivation, as well as your intentions for your trip to Pamplona, there are several options to enhance your San Fermin experience.
If you prefer a reliable and pleasant experience with minimal risks, consider guided tours from major nearby cities, which offer the best chance for a stress-free trip to Pamplona. Most tours include transportation to the city, a balcony rental for the bull run with a VIP breakfast afterward, and several days of exploration in the Basque Country (including Bilbao and San Sebastian).
For those wishing to party all night in Pamplona and explore from Bilbao, San Sebastian, or Barcelona, the stay-up-all-night option offers an affordable way to engage in the festival like locals. To enjoy this, depart in the afternoon to arrive in time for the fireworks, continue the celebration through the night, and find your viewing spot by 4 or 5 a.m. After the run, you can catch a train or bus back to your city for some rest or opt for a night train or bus from Bilbao, San Sebastian, or Barcelona, skipping the all-night festivities.
Whether you choose to run in one of the bull runs or know your limits and prefer some rest overnight to fully enjoy your time in Pamplona, securing accommodations well in advance is crucial. If you seek a restful night’s sleep away from the festival noise, consider booking a hotel in neighboring Vitoria and taking the early morning train to ensure you arrive in time for the bull run.
