Frequently Asked Questions About the Running of the Bulls
Traveling to attend the world-known San Fermin Festival can be overwhelming. There is so much information to take in and digest in order to make the very best out of your trip. Here’s a list of our frequently asked questions.
Please contact us if you have any other questions -- we’d love to help make your Running of the Bulls experience spectacular.
When is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona?
The running of the bulls, also known as the San Fermin Festival, happens annually on July 6th through July 14th. Check out our Running of the Bulls 2025 dates for more information.
When should I attend the San Fermin festival?
It depends on the activities you want to attend and your budget. This world-known fiesta begins with the San Fermin Opening Ceremony, known as the “Chupinazo” on July 6th at noon. There are bull runs or “encierros” every morning from July 7th thought the 14th. Also, bullfights take place every night from July 6th to July 14th in Pamplona’s famous Plaza de Toros.
Each day ends with a bang as well. The Peñas -- social clubs of Pamplona -- face off against each other in Pamplona's international fireworks competition. Each night is arranged by a different Peña, ensuring the fireworks never gets old.
Every day is full of traditional events you can’t miss. San Fermin's Closing Ceremony, or “Pobre de Mi,” takes place on July 14th at midnight.
Who is San Fermin?
San Fermin was a christian missionary born in Pamplona, Spain who was venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. His patronage includes Amiens, France (also the place where he died), Lesaka, Spain, and Navarra, Spain. He is celebrated in the world-known Sanfermines (San Fermin Festival) in Pamplona, Spain.
What is an “Encierro”?
It’s the bull run that takes place every morning during the San Fermin Festival. Bulls are taken from the out of town corrales to the corrales in the interior of the bullring arena in preparation for that evening’s bullfight. Locals and tourists run next to the bulls in an attempt to get an adrenaline-fueled, unique experience.
Who can enter the running of the bulls or “encierro”?
Everyone who is over the age of 18 at the time of the run, is completely sober, and strictly follows the bull run official rules.
Does it cost to run with the bulls?
No, running with the bulls is completely free.
How can I watch the running of the bulls safely?
Spectators can purchase a spot in our wide Pamplona balconies inventory to watch safely and get an amazing view of the bull runs every morning.
How much should I expect to pay for accommodations during the San Fermin festival?
It depends on the proximity to city center of each Pamplona hotel, as well as your traveling dates. You can save money by traveling during mid-fiesta (July 8th - 12th) or the end of fiesta (July 12th - 15th) and staying at an out-of-town hotel with transportation included -- such as Hotel Castillo de Gorraiz on BullRunPamplona.com.
When should I start planning my Pamplona trip?
We encourage guests to plan at least a year in advance. Prices go up as availability goes down, just like in the airline industry. So planning ahead saves you a lot of money.
What should I wear to the San Fermin festival?
Everyone during the fiesta wears white on white, with a red bandana (“pañuelo”) and a sash (“faja”)... all day, every day. This tradition symbolizes equality amongst all attendees, so we highly encourage you to follow. Check out some of our San Fermin photos to give you an idea of what the official attire looks like.
Please contact us if you have any other questions -- we’d love to help make your Running of the Bulls experience spectacular.
When is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona?
The running of the bulls, also known as the San Fermin Festival, happens annually on July 6th through July 14th. Check out our Running of the Bulls 2025 dates for more information.
When should I attend the San Fermin festival?
It depends on the activities you want to attend and your budget. This world-known fiesta begins with the San Fermin Opening Ceremony, known as the “Chupinazo” on July 6th at noon. There are bull runs or “encierros” every morning from July 7th thought the 14th. Also, bullfights take place every night from July 6th to July 14th in Pamplona’s famous Plaza de Toros.
Each day ends with a bang as well. The Peñas -- social clubs of Pamplona -- face off against each other in Pamplona's international fireworks competition. Each night is arranged by a different Peña, ensuring the fireworks never gets old.
Every day is full of traditional events you can’t miss. San Fermin's Closing Ceremony, or “Pobre de Mi,” takes place on July 14th at midnight.
Who is San Fermin?
San Fermin was a christian missionary born in Pamplona, Spain who was venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. His patronage includes Amiens, France (also the place where he died), Lesaka, Spain, and Navarra, Spain. He is celebrated in the world-known Sanfermines (San Fermin Festival) in Pamplona, Spain.
What is an “Encierro”?
It’s the bull run that takes place every morning during the San Fermin Festival. Bulls are taken from the out of town corrales to the corrales in the interior of the bullring arena in preparation for that evening’s bullfight. Locals and tourists run next to the bulls in an attempt to get an adrenaline-fueled, unique experience.
Who can enter the running of the bulls or “encierro”?
Everyone who is over the age of 18 at the time of the run, is completely sober, and strictly follows the bull run official rules.
Does it cost to run with the bulls?
No, running with the bulls is completely free.
How can I watch the running of the bulls safely?
Spectators can purchase a spot in our wide Pamplona balconies inventory to watch safely and get an amazing view of the bull runs every morning.
How much should I expect to pay for accommodations during the San Fermin festival?
It depends on the proximity to city center of each Pamplona hotel, as well as your traveling dates. You can save money by traveling during mid-fiesta (July 8th - 12th) or the end of fiesta (July 12th - 15th) and staying at an out-of-town hotel with transportation included -- such as Hotel Castillo de Gorraiz on BullRunPamplona.com.
When should I start planning my Pamplona trip?
We encourage guests to plan at least a year in advance. Prices go up as availability goes down, just like in the airline industry. So planning ahead saves you a lot of money.
What should I wear to the San Fermin festival?
Everyone during the fiesta wears white on white, with a red bandana (“pañuelo”) and a sash (“faja”)... all day, every day. This tradition symbolizes equality amongst all attendees, so we highly encourage you to follow. Check out some of our San Fermin photos to give you an idea of what the official attire looks like.