San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) – Spain 2026

Background & History

The San Fermín Festival, held annually in Pamplona, Navarre, Spain, is a deeply rooted tradition dating back to the 14th century, originally blending religious ceremonies honoring San Fermín, the co-patron saint of Navarre, with medieval trade fairs. The festival’s hallmark, the “encierro” (running of the bulls), evolved in the 19th century when locals began running ahead of bulls herded to the bullring for fights, transforming a practical task into a thrilling spectacle. Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel The Sun Also Rises catapulted San Fermín to global fame, drawing adventurers worldwide.

Today, the festival attracts over 1 million visitors for its nine-day celebration of Navarrese culture, featuring religious processions, vibrant parades, music, and bullfights. Its cultural significance lies in its blend of spiritual reverence, communal joy, and adrenaline-fueled tradition, preserving Pamplona’s heritage while embracing a global audience. The festival has faced debates over animal welfare, yet remains a cornerstone of Spanish identity. For an in-depth history, including origins and controversies, visit https://www.sanfermin.com/en/history.

Event Highlights

• Main Attractions: The daily encierro at 8:00 AM (July 7–14) sees runners race 848 meters ahead of six fighting bulls and six steers from the Santo Domingo corral through Pamplona’s Old Town to the Plaza de Toros. Bullfights follow at 6:30 PM, with the July 6 Rejones bullfight featuring a matador on horseback. Over 400 events include nightly fireworks, concerts, street performances, and traditional sports like wood-chopping competitions.
• Unique Traditions: The festival kicks off with the “Chupinazo” at noon on July 6, a rocket launched from the Town Hall balcony, sparking mass celebrations with singing, dancing, and sangria showers. The San Fermín Procession on July 7 at 10:00 AM honors the saint with clergy, city officials in ceremonial regalia, and dancing “Gigantes” (4-meter papier-mâché figures). Before each encierro, runners sing three times to a statue of San Fermín on Cuesta de Santo Domingo for protection. The festival closes with the “Pobre de Mí” song at midnight on July 14, a candlelit farewell.
• Special Features: The Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos, a daily parade of oversized figures and big-headed characters, captivates families. Local bands like La Pamplonesa, alongside bagpipers and txistularis (Basque flute players), fill the streets with music. Plaza del Castillo hosts live music, DJs, and food stalls, while Café Iruña, a Hemingway haunt, offers a historic dining experience. Explore the full schedule at https://www.sanfermin.com/en/programme.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 6–14, 2026
• Duration: 9 days (noon July 6 to midnight July 14)

Venue / Location

• City: Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
• Main Venue: Old Town Pamplona, encompassing Plaza Consistorial (Chupinazo), Cuesta de Santo Domingo (encierro start), Estafeta Street (main encierro stretch), and Plaza de Toros (bullring). Google Maps
• Notable Areas:
  • Encierro Route: 848-meter path from Santo Domingo corral through Plaza Consistorial, Mercaderes, and Estafeta to the bullring.
  • Plaza del Castillo: Central hub for concerts, food stalls, and street festivities.
  • Plaza de Toros: Historic bullring hosting bullfights and encierro finale.
  • Casco Viejo: Narrow streets with bars, restaurants, and cultural events.
• Venue Details: View the encierro route and key locations at https://www.sanfermin.com/en/bull-run/how-to-watch-the-bullrun.

Ticket Information

• Sales Process: The encierro is free to run (18+ only) or watch from public barricades, but balcony rentals for prime viewing are available through official partners like https://www.sanfermin.com/en/book-a-balcony or https://www.bullrunpamplona.com. Bullfight tickets and guided tours (including cultural or encierro experiences) are sold via https://www.runningofthebulls.com or https://www.sanfermintravelcentral.com. Early booking is essential due to high demand, especially for balconies and bullfights.
• Admission (USD, estimated based on 2025 rates):
  • Encierro Participation/Watching: Free (public access along barricades).
  • Balcony Rentals: ~$100–$300 per person, varying by location (e.g., Estafeta Street) and day (July 7 busiest).
  • Bullfight Tickets: ~$20 (sunny seats) to $150 (shaded premium seats).
  • Guided Tours: ~$50–$200 (includes balcony access, cultural tours, or breakfast).
• VIP Options: Premium bullfight seats in shaded areas, private balconies with catering, or exclusive tour packages with expert guides. Details at https://www.runningofthebulls.com/bullfighting-in-pamplona or https://www.sanfermin.com/en/book-a-balcony.
• Note: 2026 prices will be updated in spring 2026 on official sites. Book through trusted platforms like https://www.sanfermin.com, https://www.bullrunpamplona.com, or https://www.sanfermintravelcentral.com to avoid scams; report fraud to info@sanfermin.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@sanfermin.com (general inquiries, festival info); info@bullrunpamplona.com (tour/ticket support); info@sanfermintravelcentral.com (travel packages)
• Phone: +34 629 661 604 (Pamplona Fiesta, a trusted partner for bookings)
• Website: https://www.sanfermin.com (official festival site), https://www.bullrunpamplona.com (tours and tickets), https://www.runningofthebulls.com (packages and events), https://www.sanfermintravelcentral.com (travel and accommodations)
• Social Media: @SanFerminPamplona (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries via info@sanfermin.com; volunteer opportunities are limited but check https://www.sanfermin.com/en/contact for updates.
• Note: Response time ~24–72 hours; English, Spanish, and limited French support available. Full contact details at https://www.sanfermin.com/en/contact.

Cultural Experience

San Fermín is a vibrant celebration of Navarrese identity, blending adrenaline, spirituality, and festivity. Attendees don traditional white clothing with red kerchiefs and sashes, symbolizing unity and tradition. The encierro, a three-minute sprint with bulls, is the festival’s heart, drawing thrill-seekers and spectators. Religious processions, like the July 7 San Fermín Procession, honor the saint with solemnity, while street parties pulse with Navarran jota dances, Basque music, and local folklore. The Gigantes y Cabezudos parade, with its towering figures, enchants families, and nightly fireworks light up Pamplona’s sky. Plaza del Castillo buzzes with live music, DJs, and locals sharing sangria and stories, creating an inclusive atmosphere for global visitors. The festival’s blend of sacred and secular traditions makes it a unique cultural experience. Explore traditions at https://www.sanfermin.com/en/traditions.

Food & Drinks

• Navarrese Classics: Pintxos (tapas like stuffed peppers), chistorra (spicy sausage), txistorra (cured sausage), and patxaran (sloe berry liqueur).
• Spanish Favorites: Paella, croquetas, jamón ibérico, and sangria (red wine with fruit).
• Street Food: Bocadillos (sandwiches with chorizo or tortilla), grilled meats, and vegetarian options like grilled vegetables at Plaza del Castillo stalls.
• Drinks: Navarra red wines, kalimotxo (wine and cola), local beers (Estrella Galicia, Mahou), and non-alcoholic options. Water stations are available in Old Town.
• Dining Options: Historic spots like Café Iruña (Hemingway’s favorite) offer traditional menus. Food guide and restaurant recommendations at https://www.sanfermin.com/en/gastronomy.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Pamplona Airport (PNA, 6 km); Bilbao Airport (BIO, 150 km); Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD, 400 km). Shuttles or taxis available from PNA; transfers from BIO/MAD via tour operators.
• Public Transport:
  • Trains: Renfe services from Madrid (3–4 hours) or Barcelona (4–5 hours) to Pamplona’s train station (2 km from Old Town).
  • Buses: ALSA buses from Madrid, Barcelona, or Bilbao to Pamplona’s bus station (1 km from Old Town).
  • Local: Pamplona’s urban buses connect key areas; walking is ideal in Old Town.
• Parking: Limited in Old Town; use public lots like Plaza de Toros or Rincón de la Astarra (pre-book via https://www.sanfermin.com/en/practical-information). Festival shuttles available through tour operators.
• Other: Biking or walking within Pamplona; bike rentals available. Travel tips at https://www.sanfermin.com/en/practical-information/getting-to-pamplona.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: 3–5 star options in Pamplona, such as Gran Hotel La Perla (Old Town, Hemingway’s stay) or Hotel Tres Reyes (near Plaza del Castillo). Book via https://www.sanfermintravelcentral.com or https://www.runningofthebulls.com.
• Local Options: Airbnbs, hostels, or guesthouses in Old Town or Ensanche district; book 6–12 months early due to high demand.
• Camping: Nearby campsites like Camping El Molino (15 km) or Camping Ezcaba (8 km). No on-site camping in Pamplona.
• Packages: Tour operators offer packages with balcony access, bullfight tickets, and accommodations. Explore options at https://www.sanfermin.com/en/book-a-balcony or https://www.bullrunpamplona.com/packages.
• Recommendation: Book early through trusted sites like https://www.sanfermin.com or https://www.runningofthebulls.com for reliable packages.