Are you ready for an unforgettable experience? Imagine a city alive with energy, as colorful giants dance through the streets to the rhythm of traditional music. Join locals and visitors as they cheer on Basque athletes competing in rural sports. Enjoy our ultimate guide to the Running of the Bulls (San Fermin) and create an experience that will last a lifetime.
For nine days every July, the picturesque city of Pamplona transforms into a hub of excitement. People from all over the world come to experience the thrill of the famous Running of the Bulls. Don’t miss out on this celebration of culture, tradition, and adrenaline. Pamplona is waiting for you.
Guide to the Running of the Bulls: Events and Activities
The Thrilling Running of the Bulls
It wouldn’t be a very good guide to the Running of the Bulls if we didn’t start with… the running of the bulls. The encierro, or running of the bulls, takes place at 8am on day two of San Fermin. The run is 875 meters (957 yards) long and goes through four streets of the old part of the city, known as Casco Antiguo. The main streets the bulls trample down are Santo Domingo, Ayuntamiento, Mercaderes, and Estafeta. The race comes to a conclusion at the Pamplona Bullring (Plaza de Toros de Pamplona).
Six bulls and six steers are released into the streets, while those who are brave enough, try to outmaneuver their chasers. It’s a heart-pumping adrenaline rush that requires a great deal of courage and skill to navigate. Many people come to San Fermin just to experience the thrill of the bull run, but it’s important to remember that it can be extremely dangerous. Several participants are injured each year.
The History and Significance of the San Fermin Red and White Outfit
The traditional outfit worn during this event consists of a white shirt and pants, complemented by a red sash and neckerchief (pañuelico) tied around the neck. This attire has been an essential part of the San Fermin festival for centuries, representing the rich history and symbolism of the region.
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It is believed that the white outfit symbolizes purity, tradition, and the simplicity of rural life. Red symbolizes the blood of the bulls and the origins of the festival, which honors the patron saint of the region, San Fermin.
The San Fermin outfit is more than just a fashion statement. It represents the history, culture, and symbolism of the region. By embracing this traditional attire, you are not only participating in the festival’s celebrations but, also paying homage to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
San Fermin Festival: Giants and Big-heads Parade
A proper guide to the Running of the Bulls would not be complete with talking about the Giants and Big-heads Parade. It is one of the most beloved events during the San Fermin festival. Held every morning at 9:30, except on July 6th when it leaves at 16:30.
This parade features 25 figures, including eight giant figures that are over 150 years old. These giant figures, built by Tadeo Amorena in 1860, represent four pairs of kings and queens from four different continents: Europe, Asia, America, and Africa.
The parade also includes six kilikis, five big-heads, and six zaldikos, each with their own unique style and character. Kilikis and big-heads are human-like caricaturesque. The big-heads masks can be up to 1 meter tall, and kilikis are slightly smaller. During the parade, the giants dance to traditional music while the big-heads simply wave their hands at the crowd. However, kilikis run after children and playfully hit them with a foam truncheon, while zaldikos, figures representing horses with their riders, also run after children with a truncheon.
This is a truly magical and entertaining event that captures the heart of San Fermin. If you’re planning a trip to the festival, be sure to catch the Giants and Big-heads parade and experience the wonder and joy it brings to the streets of Pamplona.
Basque Rural Sports and Jai Alai at the Running of The Bulls Festival
San Fermin is not just about the running of the bulls; it’s also a showcase of Basque culture and sports. Every good guide to the Running of the Bulls festival has to talk about Basque rural sports. Head to the Plaza de los Fueros any morning to watch exhibitions and competitions of Basque rural sports. Traditional Basque sports include stone lifting, wood cutting, and tug of war.
The Jai Alai tournament of San Fermin is an event not to be missed. Held at Labrit court in Casco Antiguo, this prestigious competition of the sport is a must-see for sports enthusiasts. Betting is also common during these events, amping up excitement. The tournament begins July 14th. The Basque rural sports and Jai Alai tournament at San Fermin are events that will leave a long-lasting memory.
Activities for Kids
Pamplona’s San Fermin festival isn’t just for adults. For parents traveling with kids, the festival has “Menudas fiestas” or “kids’ fiestas” with fun activities designed for children of all ages. From games and inflatables to music and dancing, the mornings and afternoons are filled with plays put on in Spanish or Basque. One of the highlights of the festival is the beloved marionettes staged by Maese Villarejo, with the adventures of Gorgorito, a Punch and Judy-type puppet theater character that has entertained generations of locals for more than 50 years.
The Gigantes y Cabezudos Parade is also a great option for families with young children. The Fire Bull is also a spectacle that kids are sure to love, and the Basque Music Parade is a fun and lively event that the whole family can enjoy.
Located in the La Rochapea district of Pamplona, “Las Barracas” (fairground stalls) offer non-stop entertainment for all ages. With nearly 100 attractions, the traditional Barracas are a must-visit during the Running of the Bulls festival. And when it’s time to refuel, be sure to visit the Churrerías for a hot, crispy doughnut and chocolate, or stop by one of the bar and restaurant vans for a delicious sandwich or omelette. With so much to see and do, Las Barracas will keep the whole family entertained day and night.
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The city council organizes the kids’ activities in Conde de Rodezno square, which is divided into several theme zones. All the attractions are designed to be fun and educational, including workshops and acts based on music, the circus, and adventures.
Looking for a break from the excitement of San Fermin? Pamplona offers plenty of parks and playgrounds for kids to burn off energy. Parque de la Taconera is a beautiful park with a small zoo with peacocks, deer, and rabbits. You can also enjoy picnicking or playing games in the park’s green space. It also has lovely gardens and wide walking paths.
A Day-by-Day Guide to the Running of the Bulls
The running of the Bulls is nine days and takes place every year from July 6th to July 14th. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the events. Our guide to the Running go the Bulls (San Fermin), doesn’t have every single event but, rather one thing you should make sure to do each day.
Here is a detailed calendar of events.
Day 1 – July 6th: The Opening Ceremony
Join the excitement on July 6th for the San Fermin Festival’s unforgettable Opening Ceremony. Head to Plaza Consistorial, which is the Plaza where the City Hall is located. Here you can witness the traditional Chupinazo.
The Chupinazo, a Spanish word meaning “rocket,” is the explosive and colorful opening ceremony of the San Fermin festival. It takes place on July 6th, and signals the start of nine days of non-stop partying, bullfights, music, and dancing. The tradition dates back to the 1940s, and the ceremony involves the mayor of Pamplona lighting a rocket that shoots into the sky. As the single rocket explodes, the crowd erupts in cheers and throws wine, flour, and confetti into the air. The atmosphere is electric, and the Chupinazo sets the tone for the rest of the festival,
Day 2 – July 7th: The Running of the Bulls
The running of the bulls takes place on July 7th, and it’s one of the most thrilling events of San Fermin. At 8am, six massive bulls are released into the streets of Pamplona, and thousands of people run alongside them to the bullring. It’s a heart-pumping adrenaline rush that is not for the faint of heart!
Day 3 – July 8th: The Best Day For Children
The third day of San Fermin is great kids. Head over to Plaza Conde Rodezno for a day of kid-friendly activities. Little ones love exploring the different themed zones, participating in interactive workshops, and playing games. And the best part? It’s all designed to be educational and promote learning through play.
Menudas Fiestas (kids’ fiestas) take place in the mornings and afternoons and cater to children of all ages, from 2-year-old toddlers to 14-year-old teenagers. The program includes children’s plays put on in Spanish or Basque, games, inflatables, music, and dancing.
Day 4 – July 9th: The Gigantes y Cabezudos Parade
The Gigantes y Cabezudos Parade is another family-friendly event that takes place on the fourth day of San Fermin. Giant figures and oversized heads (cabezudos) dance through the streets, accompanied by music and plenty of cheering.
Day 5 – July 10th: The Fire Bull and the Basque Music Parade
The fifth day of San Fermin is a busy one, with two major events taking place. First up is the Fire Bull, a wooden bull that is set alight and paraded through the streets. It’s a beautiful and dramatic sight that is not to be missed. Later in the day, the Basque Music Parade takes place, with traditional Basque musicians marching through the streets playing lively music.
Day 6 – July 11th: The Day of San Fermin
The sixth day of San Fermin is the Day of San Fermin itself. It’s a religious holiday in honor of the patron saint of Pamplona, and there are plenty of religious processions and ceremonies taking place throughout the day.
Day 7 – July 12th: Traditional Basque Sports
On the seventh day of San Fermin, enjoy traditional Basque sports competitions. These events include weightlifting, stone-lifting, and wood-chopping, and they take place at the Plaza de los Fueros. These sports have a long history in the Basque Country, and they’re a great way to experience the region’s unique culture and traditions.
Day 8 – July 13th: The International Fireworks Competition
The eighth day of San Fermin is a great time to take in the fireworks. Every night during the festival, there is a fireworks display. These firework shows are part of an International Fireworks Competition where teams from all over the world compete to put on the best show.
Day 9 – July 14th: The Closing Ceremony
Our guide to Running of the Bulls starts to wind down with the closing ceremonies. During the closing ceremonies of San Fermin, the town of Pamplona bids farewell to the festivities. The event starts with a procession of giants and bigheads through the streets, accompanied by musicians playing traditional Basque instruments.
After the procession, a mass is held in honor of San Fermin, the patron saint of the town. Following the mass, the “pobre de mí” ritual takes place, where participants gather in the town hall square and sing a melancholic song to bid farewell to the festival.
During the song, participants hold candles and turn off their light as the song comes to an end. This symbolizes the end of the festival.
San Fermin: The Verdict
As the curtains draw on the San Fermin festival, one can’t help but feel a sense of melancholy. The nine-day fiesta leaves you spellbound with its awe-inspiring sights and sounds. It’s an unforgettable experience.
From the majestic giants and big-heads parade to the heart-pumping running of the bulls, San Fermin is an adrenaline-fueled festival. But beyond the thrill and excitement, San Fermin also celebrates tradition and culture. It’s a unique blend of old and new, where modern-day revelers pay homage to ancient traditions. The memories and stories you’ll bring back home will be worth every moment spent at San Fermin.
