Running With The Bulls Pamplona Spain

Pamplona Bull Running

Deeply rooted in history and renowned for its adrenaline-fueled spectacle, Running with the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, is a world-famous event that attracts thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts from around the globe.

This iconic event, known as the festival of San Fermín, blends tradition, courage, and celebration in a thrilling experience like no other.

Let's delve into the rich history, festival details, what happens to the participants, and how to take part in this exhilarating event.

The Origins and History:

The origins of the Running of the Bulls date back to the 14th century when the tradition emerged as a way to transport the bulls from their corrals to the bullring.

Over the centuries, it evolved into a celebrated event during the San Fermín festival, which honours Saint Fermín, the co-patron saint of Navarre.

What began as a local tradition has now become an internationally renowned spectacle, attracting visitors eager to test their mettle and embrace the thrill of the chase.

The Festival and Key Events:

The Running of the Bulls takes place annually from July 6th to July 14th as part of the San Fermín festival in Pamplona.

The festival is a week-long celebration filled with music, dance, parades, fireworks, and religious processions.

Each morning at 8 a.m., brave participants gather at the starting point, known as the Santo Domingo gate, in anticipation of the running.

The Running Experience:

As the clock strikes 8 a.m., a loud rocket blast signals the release of the bulls from their corral. Participants, known as "runners" or "mozos," sprint through the narrow streets of Pamplona, attempting to stay ahead of the charging bulls as they navigate the 875-meter-long course leading to the bullring.

The experience is both thrilling and dangerous, requiring speed, agility, and a keen sense of awareness.

Participant Safety and Guidelines:

Running with the Bulls is not without its risks, and it is essential for participants to understand and follow safety guidelines.

The local authorities, known as the Pastores, oversee the event and ensure the safety of runners and spectators alike.

It is crucial to be physically prepared, wear appropriate clothing, and respect the rules to minimize the risk of injury.

How to Enter and Participate:

To participate in the Running of the Bulls, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have a strong understanding of the risks involved.

There is no official registration process, and anyone can join the event.

However, it is advisable to familiarise oneself with the route, attend orientation sessions, and seek guidance from experienced runners to enhance safety and enjoyment.

The Aftermath and Celebrations:

Once the bulls have reached the bullring, the run is considered complete.

Participants and spectators come together to celebrate, sharing stories and revelling in the electrifying atmosphere.

The San Fermín festival continues throughout the day and night, with lively street parties, music, dancing, and traditional cuisine, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of the festival.

5 Interesting Facts about the San Fermin bull-running Festival

  1. Although running with the bulls is thought of as highly dangerous only 12 spectators have died from bull-running injuries in the last century.
  2. The San Fermin festival was popularised by the flamboyant author, Ernest Hemmingway in the book The Sun Also Rises.
  3. The origins of the Pamplona religious festival date back to the middle ages.
  4. The actual running with the bulls only lasts for a few frantic minutes.
  5. The spectators and runners sing "La Cancion del Encierro"  three times before each bull run takes place.
San Fermines Festival
San Fermines Festival

A dozen bulls run every morning except on opening day or the Chupinazo when there is an opening ceremony in front of city hall that can only be described as part rock concert, part champagne water fight, and part World Cup soccer match.

The daily runs or Encierros are a throwback to medieval times when herdsmen drove their bulls through the streets of Pamplona to the bullrings. Bullfighting has been a Spanish tradition for hundreds of years.

Townspeople helped drive the bulls and this tradition eventually became running in front of the bulls. Hemingway made Pamplona famous with his book, “The Sun Also Rises.

Encierro Bronze Monument

Running with the bulls is a dangerous yet exhilarating experience, the whole route is lined with two sets of protective fencing.

The smell of fear is everywhere and only grows thicker as the bell tower strikes eight.

Near silence is broken by the crack of a rocket announcing the gates have opened, a second rocket announces the bulls are running, and what follows is pure mayhem.

Yells and screams reach a fever pitch, and the crowd surges forward and then parts as the herd approaches.

Each bull weighs at least 1200 pounds and even with heads bowed their horns easily reach up to your shoulders, running in front of them is terrifying.

Encierro Monument - Bronze Statue of the Bull Running Festival

There are a number of reputable travel companies offering holiday packages designed around the Pamplona Las Fermines and bull-running festival, these include:

» Pamplona Tours
» PP Travel

Top attractions in Pamplona

Pamplona Town Hall
Pamplona Town Hall

The Grand Pamplona Cathedral

Work on this Grand cathedral began in the thirteenth century and took one hundred and fifty years to fully complete.

Some new additions to the cathedral happened as recently as the early nineteenth century.

The cathedral is a cultural masterpiece showing several elements of architectural styles including Gothic, Neoclassical, and Renaissance.

It also houses the second largest bell in Spain, several religious artifacts, and a crypt that holds the remains of several Spanish Kings and Queens.

Palace of Navarra

This is the most visible piece of Pamplona’s heritage, designed by José de Nagusia in 1840.

There is also a sculpture of Navarre’s coat of arms flanked by one man from the north of Navarre and another man from Navarre’s mountain region.

The interior of the Palace of Navarra building is just as exquisite. Here, you will find the Throne Room, the Session Room, the Chapel, and the President’s office.

It is now an administrative center, although visits to the palace can be scheduled by appointment.

Museum of Navarra

The Navarra Museum stands opposite the Royal Palace and is well worth visiting, it houses the greatest art collections and archaeological findings in Navarra.

Some of the artwork dates back to pre-historical periods while most fall within the Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The most prized works of art at this museum include the Mosaic of Theseus, Goya’s portrait of the Marqués de San Adrián, and the Chest from Leyre

The City Walls of Pamplona

Old City Walls
Old City Walls

The city walls where integral to Pamplona's past with the Spanish government designated them as a national monument in 1937.

The people of Pamplona built these walls during the Roman conquest, French invasions and war with invading Muslims.

Only three-quarters of the old city walls survived these various onslaughts even though they were repeatedly rebuilt.

You can find “The French Entrance,” the Taconera Gardens, and “The Old Fortress” along these City Walls.

Saint Nicholas Church

Built-in the 12th century, Saint Nicholas church had both religious and military functions.

Its purpose was to dissuade opposing forces from attacking Pamplona, this is why the church has unusually thick walls, three watchtowers, and wrought iron nails.

The interior of the church is Gothic with a Baroque organ considered to be the most important in Pamplona.

Historic Parks

Another must-visit in the city are Pamplona’s exquisite gardens, some of which date as far back as Roman times when Pompey, the great general of Rome, built a base in the area to fight Sertorius, a great adversary of Rome.

Taconera Park is one of the oldest parks in this city offering wide paths for pedestrians, sculptures at every corner and pretty ornamental flower beds.

Other picturesque parks include the Media Luna Park,  Yamaguchi and the Arga Park.

Eating Out in Pamplona

Chorizo & Green Pepper Tapas
Chorizo & Green Pepper Tapas

Pamplona offers enormous diversity for travelers to consider when they come to this city.

Eating out in the smaller tapas bars in Pamplona is fun and fulfilling and maybe the best way to combine all of the elements of traditional local cooking in one place without breaking the bank.

Cafe Iruna: A favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway a great place to enjoy excellent coffee and a quick homemade tapa.

Restaurant Besseriberri:  Is a popular fine dining restaurant offering unique cuisine prepare by the amazing young chef Inaki Andradas.  This master chef offers a gastronomic infusion of food with its roots firmly in the Navarra region. You will need to make your reservation well advance to avoid disappointment.

Restaurant Jostexo:   A family-run eatery offering traditional recipes creatively served. Another one named after the famous patron saint of Pamplona is the Restaurant San Fermin which serves a variety of dishes from the Navarra region.

PAMPLONA WEATHER

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