Zoella Last updated 09 Apr 2026
I’m sure you’ve seen footage of people running alongside bulls on cobblestone streets. Have you ever wondered where this takes place? For the people of Pamplona and the thousands of travelers who head to Spain every July, it is the thrill of a lifetime. The running of the bulls 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events on the European summer calendar.
The Running of the Bulls is just one part of the San Fermín Festival; the festival offers much more than just this thrilling event, including music, traditional dances, and delicious food. If you're looking for a unique and thrilling summer destination, consider attending the Running of the Bulls for an adrenaline-pumping vacation. Tours4fun Product Recommendations
5.0 Tour Code: 731034
City & Attractions
Madrid, San Sebastian, Pamplona
+11 more
Tour Audience
Primarily English-Speaking Travelers
Operator
The Travel Corporation (TTC)
5.0 Tour Code: 730269
City & Attractions
Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo
+7 more
Group Type
Standard Group Tour
Tour Audience
Primarily English-Speaking Travelers
Operator
The Travel Corporation (TTC)
What Is the San Fermin Festival
The San Fermín Festival is a famous Spanish celebration, best known for the Running of the Bulls. The festival honors Saint Fermín, the co-patron saint of Navarre. Legend has it that Fermín was the son of a Roman of high rank who was converted to Christianity. He was later martyred, and the red scarves you see everyone wearing today actually symbolize his martyrdom.
Over hundreds of years, three separate events merged to create the modern party we see today. There were the religious ceremonies honoring the saint, the trade fairs where merchants gathered, and the bullfights. By the late 16th century, these events were moved to July, and the San Fermin festival as we know it was born.
Other events at the San Fermín Festival
The San Fermín Festival is not just about the bull runs, one of the most beloved parts of the week is the "Gigantes y Cabezudos" parade. These are massive, 13-foot-tall wooden figures that represent different continents and cultures. They dance through the streets every morning, accompanied by traditional music. It’s a favorite for families and a great way to see a more whimsical side of the culture.
And in the Plaza de los Fueros, you can watch locals compete in wood-chopping, stone-lifting, and other traditional Basque sports. Every single night at 11:00 PM, the sky above the city lights up during the international fireworks competition. People gather on the grass around the Citadel to watch world-class displays.
Interesting facts about the San Fermin Festival
To help you better understand this holiday, here are some interesting facts about it:
- Attire: Almost everyone wears white pants and a white shirt, with a red scarf; this is the unofficial uniform.
- The Bulls' Speed: A fighting bull can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. You can’t outrun them, but you need to stay out of their way.
- The Hemingway Effect: The festival was a local Spanish tradition until Ernest Hemingway published The Sun Also Rises in 1926. His vivid descriptions of the bullfights and the party turned Pamplona into a global destination.
- The Pastores: You’ll see men in green shirts carrying long sticks during the run. These are the pastores or bull-herders. Their job isn't to hit people; it’s to keep the bulls moving forward and to prevent them from turning back into the crowd.
When and Where Is the San Fermin Festival
The San Fermín Festival takes place at the same time every year, and the 2026 San Fermín Festival will begin at noon on July 6 and run until midnight on July 14.
The heart of the holiday is in Pamplona, the capital of the Navarre province in northern Spain. It's a beautiful, historic city surrounded by ancient walls, located about an hour away from the coast of San Sebastian and a few hours from the French border.
The bull run takes place in Casco Viejo. During the week, the population of Pamplona swells from about 200,000 people to over a million. It gets crowded, it gets loud, and it gets very, very red and white.
How to Get San Fermin Festival Tickets
What you may not know is that the Running of the Bulls in Spain is free to participate in, as long as you are at least 18 years old and follow the rules. However, you will need tickets for other parts of the festival. If you want to sit in the arena to watch the bulls finish their run every morning, you need a ticket. These are usually affordable and can be bought at the arena.
Tickets for the evening bullfight, however, are a different story; most of the tickets for this event are held by locals on season passes. If you want to attend a bullfight, you should look for tickets months in advance through reputable tour operators or official resale sites.
Another popular option is renting a balcony. Since the streets are so crowded, many people pay to stand on a private balcony overlooking the route. This gives you a safe, clear view of the event. These spots sell out very early, so if this is on your list, don't wait until you arrive in Pamplona to book.
How to Participate in the Running of the Bulls
If you want to take part in this thrilling event, you must carefully review the rules. First, you must arrive at the designated starting area by 7:30 a.m. The police will close the gates shortly thereafter, and if you’re not inside, you won’t be able to run. At 8:00 a.m., a rocket is launched, signaling that the bulls have been released from the pen.
Once the run begins, keep moving forward; never stop in the middle of the street. If you trip or fall, don’t try to get up right away. Cover your head with your arms and stay flat on the ground. Also, remember that you can’t carry anything with you, no cameras, no backpacks, and no GoPros. Wear comfortable running shoes with good traction, as the cobblestone streets can be slippery.
Pamplona Travel Guide
Although the Running of the Bulls is a major event, it is just one of the highlights of Pamplona. As a medieval old town, it boasts well-preserved city walls and squares.
Things to do in Pamplona
Pamplona is a city of parks and history; you should spend some time walking along the ancient city walls. These fortifications are among the best-preserved in Spain. You can walk for miles along the top of the walls, looking down into the river valley or back into the historic center. It’s a great way to get your bearings and see the city from a different perspective.
Visit the Ciudadela de Pamplona: The Ciudadela is a must-see attraction in the city. This pentagonal fortress has now been transformed into a large public park. During festivals, people gather here to watch the fireworks, while during the day, it’s a peaceful spot to take a stroll and enjoy the green spaces.
Take a stroll through the Occidens Wing of Pamplona Cathedral: Its exterior is quite simple, but once you step inside, you’ll discover one of the most beautiful Gothic cloisters in Europe.
Spend some time at Plaza del Castillo: this was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, especially Café Iruña, which features in his novels.
Experience the Pilgrimage Route: Pamplona is one of the stopover towns along the Camino de Santiago. You can set out from here and walk a classic section of the route to Puente la Reina. Or simply look for the scallop shell symbols around the city.
Transportation tips
Pamplona has only a small airport with virtually no international flights, so it’s best to fly to Madrid or Barcelona and then take the high-speed train. The RENFE train system is excellent, and the journey from Madrid takes only about three hours. Just make sure to book your tickets as soon as they go on sale, as they sell out within hours during the festival.
Buses are another great option. Companies like ALSA connect Pamplona with cities like San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Madrid. The bus station in Pamplona is centrally located and very modern. Once you are in the city, you won't need a car. Pamplona is very walkable, and many of the main streets are closed to traffic during the festival anyway.Where to stay
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, staying in Casco Viejo will put you right in the heart of the action. But for that very reason, you’ll hear music and cheering even in the early hours of the morning.
That’s why I’d recommend staying at a hotel in San Juan or Iturrama. They’re just a 15-minute walk from downtown, but the area is much quieter, and the rates are usually a bit lower. FAQ
What is the purpose of running with the bulls?
Historically, the run had a very practical purpose. Bulls had to be moved from the fields outside the city to the bullring in the center for the evening's events. Young men would jump in front of them to help guide them through the streets and, eventually, to show off their bravery. Today, it has evolved into a traditional test of courage and a way for people to feel a connection to history and adrenaline.
How much does it cost to run with the bulls?
It is completely free to run. There is no registration fee, no entry ticket, and no "pass" required. You just have to show up on time and follow the rules. However, you should factor in the cost of your "uniform" , about €20 at any local shop and the fact that most other activities in the city will have a cost.
Is it safe to run with the bulls in Pamplona?
No. Running with large, powerful animals on slippery streets is inherently dangerous. People are injured every year, mostly from falls or being bumped by other runners. Serious injuries like gorings are less common but they do happen. If you decide to run, you do so at your own risk. The best way to stay safe is to study the route, stay sober, and know exactly when to peel off and duck behind the safety barriers.
