san fermin festival

The Festival of San Fermin

Get ready for the world-famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain! Hundreds of brave souls run in front of six bulls and six steers for 825-metres down the narrow streets of Pamplona while thousands of onlookers cheer in amusement during this amazing event that takes place daily between July 7 and July 14. The exciting Running of the Bulls is celebrated and enjoyed by millions worldwide, but it’s only one of the many great celebrations that occur during the great San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain from July 6 to July 14.

The Festival of San Fermin (Sanfermines)

San Fermin is by far Spain’s biggest international party. It includes days of nonstop celebration, drinking, dancing and fun. In fact, millions of visitors journey to Spain annually to participate in this amazing festival, filled with tradition, costumes, the Running of the Bulls, bullfights, fireworks and fun! So how did this great festival begin? It’s important to reflect on the life of Saint Fermin.

In the 3rd century, Saint Fermin accepted Christianity and became the first bishop of Pamplona. It’s a mystery where and how Saint Fermin died, but in Pamplona the citizens believe he died as a consequence of being dragged through the streets by bulls. This is why citizens participate in the running of the bulls, even though a majority of the runners are tourists who seldom know about Saint Fermin’s history.

Today, the participants of the Running of the Bulls gather together and sing a chant three times for protection before a statue of San Fermin immediately preceding the running. It’s hard to miss this amazing spectacle because every single runner is dressed exactly the same! In fact, runners who don’t sport the traditional all-white shirt and pants with a red handkerchief and sash around the waist stick out like a sore thumb and are considered to be a San Fermin novice. So if you decide to venture to Pamplona for this amazing party, don’t forget to bring your proper running outfit!

San Fermin’s Other Great Events

Aside from the Running of the Bulls, San Fermin has dozens of other events that occur either one-time or on a daily basis.

Single Day Events:

Chupinazo: On July 6 at 12:00 noon, a rocket is fired from the city hall balcony as thousands watch to being the San Fermin festival.

Riau-Riau: The city unofficially holds a massive procession from City Hall to a chapel dedicated to Saint Fermin on July 6.

San Fermin Procession: A replicated statue of Saint Fermin is carried throughout the streets in old Pamplona as thousands of people, street entertainers and dancers accompany it on July 7.

Probre de Mi: The candlelight singing of the sorrowful song Pobre de Mi at the Townhall Plaza concludes the nine days of partying and rememberence.

Daily Events:

The Running of the Bulls: Be sure to catch the Running of the Bulls on any day from July 7 to July 14.

The Giants and Big Heads Parade: Don’t miss this daily morning event when a parade of big-headed figures – representing kings and queens – parade through the streets and chase after children with heads that range in size from 4 meters to 1 meter.

Sports: Catch a daily bullfight or watch traditional events like stone lifting, wood cutting and hay bale lifting.

Fireworks: End you day peacefully with a nighttime fireworks show.