Running of the Bulls
Festival in Pamplona

The Running of the Bulls is perhaps one of the maddest festivals in the world and is a tradition across many Spanish speaking countries. However, the most famous bull-runs take place during the nine-day Sanfermines festival in Pamplona and involve around a dozen bulls being let loose in cordoned off streets. People then run alongside the beasts for around 825m, for a time of roughly three minutes.

Obviously there are great risks involved, particularly if the bulls are angry. Strict conditions regarding participation have to be met but despite the risks, it does not deter people from running. As a spectator sport, it is also exciting and generates massive coverage. Indeed, two national Spanish television channels broadcast live pictures from the event, highlighting the huge cultural relevance of bull running.

Backpackers and students are particularly drawn to the Running of the Bulls festival and there is a vast range of hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation to cater for these people. Some students combine a stop-off here with a longer stay in Spain and Portugal, with many taking advantage of cheap late deals offered by hotels in Lisbon or Madrid.

There is a bull-run every day from July 7th to July 14th at 8am. This means that people can go on multiple bull-runs and many tourists spend several nights in the hotels dotted around the north-eastern Spanish town.

If you don’t wish to participate, you can still soak up the electric atmosphere as an observer. You can stand behind the metal barriers which mark out the track or, ideally, find a balcony which provides an excellent vantage point. The route is well publicised (running from the corral at Santo Domingo to the bullring) but you need to get up early if you wish to secure your place.

There is nothing like the tension which builds up in the moments preceding eight o’clock and tradition only adds to this. A rocket is fired to signify that the gate at the Santo Domingo corral has been opened and after this, runners clad in white with red handkerchiefs around their necks pray to San Fermin, whose festival this is. A second rocket is then fired to say the bulls are coming and then the participants start running.

Bull fights are popular events at the festival too, with tickets selling out months in advance. Tickets can be purchased from touts but some are available for the next day’s fights once that day’s fighting has been completed

Aside from this, the festival is one great party and an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Spanish culture. Good food, good drink, and a good time are guaranteed... unless, of course, you are a bull.