Is there a more thrilling and nerve-racking tradition than running in front of a group of bulls through the streets? From the daily runs to the opening and closing ceremonies, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona 2025 is almost here, and it’s time to get ready.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about this exciting tradition, when to run before the bulls, and most importantly, how to stay safe while taking part.
Picture by Hans Eiskonen and Paul Kenny McGrath on Unsplash
What is the Running of the Bulls?
The Running of the Bulls (Encierro) is a famous festival that takes place every year in Pamplona, Spain, from July 6 to July 14, as part of the San Fermín festival.
The event has been celebrated since the 12th century. Every morning at 8:00 AM, six bulls and a few steers are released into the narrow streets of the city. People run ahead of them, trying to avoid being trampled or gored as the bulls charge through the streets. It’s a fun, yet dangerous tradition that attracts many tourists and locals each year in Spain.
Origins and History of The Running of the Bulls
The Running of the Bulls, a famous event in Pamplona, Spain, has a long history going back to the Middle Ages. It started as a practical way for cattle herders to move bulls from the fields to the bullring for the evening bullfights. They used fear and excitement to make the bulls move faster through the city streets.
Over time, it turned into a competition where young men would race in front of the bulls, trying to outrun them to the bullring. It became a central part of the San Fermín festival, which celebrates the city’s patron saint, San Fermín.
However, it gained international fame in the 20th century, thanks to Ernest Hemingway. In his 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises (also called Fiesta), he describes the festival and the bull runs, which helped make this Spanish tradition famous worldwide. As a result, Pamplona became a major tourist destination.
Today, the Running of the Bulls takes place in Pamplona, Spain, every year from July 7th to 14th. Each morning, bulls are released into the streets, and people, called runners, try to stay ahead of them as the bulls race toward the bullring. Runners wear white clothes with red neckerchiefs. It’s a dangerous but exciting Spanish tradition.
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San Fermín Festival Ceremonies
Opening Ceremony: Chupinazo
The San Fermín festival starts with the “chupinazo”, a rocket launch at noon on July 6. People who take part in the famous bull run wear white clothes, with a red waistband and neckerchief. Before the run begins, the participants chant a prayer to San Fermín, asking for his protection. The prayer goes like this: “We beseech San Fermin to guide us in this run and to give us his blessing.” This chant is a way to ask for the saint’s protection during the run.
Photo by San Fermin Pamplona - Navarra on Unsplash
Daily Bull Run
Every morning in Pamplona, Spain, about 2,000 people run in front of bulls along an 875-meter path. The run begins when a rocket is fired, signaling that the bulls are released.
A second rocket is fired when all the bulls are on the streets. The bulls, running at about 24 km/h, head toward the bullring, and the entire run takes about 2.5 minutes. This event is dangerous, and every year, 200 to 300 people are injured.
The Running of the Bulls is a dangerous event, and each year, around 200 to 300 people get hurt.
Closing Ceremony: Pobre de Mí
The San Fermín festival ends on the night of July 14 with the Pobre de Mí (“Poor Me”) ceremony.
Thousands gather in the main square, Plaza Consistorial, to sing a song that expresses sadness about the festival ending. People also light candles and wave them around, which adds to the emotional mood. The mayor then officially declares the festival over, and fireworks are set off to mark the end.
During this ceremony, people take off their red handkerchiefs, which are a symbol of the celebration, to show that the event is over. While the official ceremony marks the end, some people continue celebrating late into the night.
Iaramburu, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
When is the Running of The Bulls in Spain 2025?
The San Fermín Festival in Pamplona, 2025, starts with the Chupinazo, the opening ceremony, on July 6 at noon. The famous Running of the Bulls happens every morning from July 7 to July 14, starting at 8:00 AM. The festival ends with the Pobre de Mi ceremony at midnight on July 14.
While there are other events like bullfights and parades throughout the festival, the two key moments are the opening and closing ceremonies.
Top Travel Packages for an Unforgettable Bull Run Experience
Here’s a list of some of the best travel packages for the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona:
- “Party of the Year” Package: VIP balcony seats, hotel, bullfight tickets, and the opening ceremony experience.
- “Adrenaline” Package: Balcony views and the chance to run with the bulls.
- “Check It Off The List” Package: A quick two-night stay with the essential experiences, good for tight schedules or budgets.
- Bulls and Beaches Add-On Package: Combines the Running of the Bulls with a relaxing beach stay in nearby San Sebastian.
- Mid-Festival Package: A hotel stay, balcony seats, and a bullfight experience from July 8-11 or 9-11.
- Express 1-Night Package: A short, affordable package with a complete experience.
- Express 2-Night Package: A slightly longer stay, offering more opportunities to enjoy the festival.
All packages typically include accommodations, VIP spots to watch the bull run, and extras like bullfight tickets and local tours. The best seats are above “Dead Man’s Corner” for the best views of the bulls. Prices can vary, so booking early is a good idea, especially for 2025, as many spots are already sold out.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to the Running of the Bulls
In such a fun, yet dangerous festival, it’s important to participate safely without getting hurt. If you’re visiting the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona for the first time, here’s what you need to know:
- Dress For The Occasion: Wear good running shoes and avoid loose items like jewelry, scarves, or backpacks that could get caught on the bulls or fences.
- Don’t Stand Too Close to The Bulls: It might seem exciting to be near them, but it’s dangerous. Stay further away so you have enough space to control your speed and react if necessary.
- Know When to Run: Begin running after the third rocket goes off or when you see the bulls coming. Don’t start at dangerous spots, like “Dead Man’s Corner.”
- Know Exit Points: There are gaps in the barricades along the route where runners can exit if necessary. Identify these in advance so you don’t get trapped.
- Watch Out for La Curva: This sharp turn on Mercaderes Street is a spot where bulls frequently slip, making it one of the most dangerous areas.
- Stay Aware: Keep track of where the bulls are and be mindful of other runners. Avoid distractions like using your phone or taking pictures (they’re not allowed).
- Don’t Stop or Look Back: Keep moving forward to prevent accidents. Looking back can make you fall or crash into others.
- If You Fall, Stay Down: If you fall, curl into a ball and protect your head with your arms. Stay still until someone tells you it’s safe to get up.
- Respect the Bulls: Bulls are aggressive animals, so don’t touch or provoke them. It’s dangerous for both you and others.
- Reserve Your Spot Early: Police will clear out runners from Estafeta Street before the race begins, so make sure you’re in place by 7:00 AM to avoid being moved.
- Don’t Lose Connection: Don’t risk getting separated from your group or family during busy times. Use a Yoho Mobile eSIM for reliable internet, whether you’re in a crowd or looking for nearby attractions. Stay safe and never miss a moment!
Beyond the Bull Run: Pamplona’s Hidden Gems
Pamplona means more than its famous bull run, it has plenty of other exciting things to see and do:
- Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Wander through charming narrow streets and colorful buildings. Plaza del Castillo, the city’s central square, is a good place where you can relax in a cafe.
- Citadel (Ciudadela de Pamplona): This star-shaped fortress is now a public park where you can see art exhibits and enjoy cultural events.
- Local Gastronomy: Try pintxos (Basque tapas) and local dishes like chistorra sausage and pochas beans in local bars.
- Camino de Santiago: Pamplona is an important stop on the Camino Frances, a historic pilgrimage route. Walk a part of it to experience its history.
- Museum of Navarra: Located in a former hospital, this museum has art and historical pieces showcasing the region’s culture and past.
- Arga River: For some relaxation, walk or bike along the 25 km of trails by the river in the Arga River Park.
- Local Markets: Visit the Santo Domingo market to see fresh local products and get a feel for the daily life of the city.
- Traditional Basque Sports: Watch or even try pelota, a traditional Basque ball game, which is very popular among the locals.
- Countryside Trips: You can visit nearby vineyards in La Rioja for wine tasting or head to the beautiful Pyrenees mountains for scenic views and nature.
- Pamplona by Night: After dark, the Old Town becomes lively with bars and clubs, giving you a chance to experience the local nightlife and social atmosphere.
FAQs About the Running of the Bulls 2025
Where is the bull ring located in Spain?
The Running of the Bulls happens in Pamplona, a city in northern Spain. The event takes place over a route that’s 875 meters long, through the city’s old quarter (called Casco Viejo). The run starts on Santo Domingo Street and ends at the bullring. The route goes through narrow streets, including Mercaderes and Estafeta, covering four main streets in total.
How fast do bulls run?
During the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, the Bulls run at speeds of 15-24 kilometers per hour, which is faster than most people can run. The bulls cover the 875-meter route in about 2-4 minutes. At their fastest, some bulls can reach speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour, which makes them very fast and dangerous for those running alongside them.
How dangerous is Running of the Bulls?
Running with the bulls is very dangerous. Since 1910, 15-16 people have died in the event. Every year, 50-100 people get injured, though most injuries are minor. The chance of being gored by a bull is about 1 in 2,500, and the risk of dying is very low, about 0.017%. Most injuries happen from falling, being trampled, or from people colliding with each other, rather than from being attacked directly by the bulls.
How long is the Running of the Bulls?
The Running of the Bulls is a popular event in Pamplona, Spain, during the San Fermín festival. It lasts for about 2-3 minutes, where people run in front of bulls through the streets of the city. The distance is about 850 meters (around half a mile). The run happens every morning from July 6th to 14th, and even though it only takes a couple of minutes, it can feel much longer because of the excitement.
How many bulls are there in Running of the Bulls?
During the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, 12 animals run each morning: 6 fighting bulls and 6 steers. The event takes place from July 7 to July 14, with different bulls running each day. At 8 AM, six bulls are released, followed by two steers two minutes later. The steers help guide the bulls. For the festival, 48 different bulls run.
How do you run with the bulls?
To run with the bulls, get to the route by 7 AM, warm up, and pick a good spot. At 8 AM, listen for the rocket signal to start. When the bulls come, run ahead or alongside them, but don’t touch them. Stay alert, don’t drink alcohol, wear tennis shoes, and try to run faster than the others. If you fall, stay down to avoid getting hurt.