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Festival · Pamplona, Spain

Running of the Bulls (Sanfermines)

“The bull run of San Fermín festival — 8:00 daily encierro through Pamplona streets”

Sanfermines (San Fermín festival) is Pamplona's 9-day summer festival — most famous for the encierro (bull run) at 08:00 daily July 7-14. 6 bulls + steers run 875m through cobbled streets in 3 minutes. Hemingway made it famous with The Sun Also Rises (1926). Bull-fights every evening (controversial).

Upcoming dates

Next
2027
July 6 (opening txupinazo) — July 14 (closing pobre de mí)
Following year
2028
July 6 — July 14 (fixed dates)

July 6-14 fixed every year. Bull runs 08:00 daily July 7-14 (not July 6).

Duration
9 days (bull runs only 3 minutes each morning July 7-14)
Crowd
Millions over 9
Budget/day
$200-500 (5-8× normal Pamplona rates)
Book ahead
6+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Adrenaline seekers + party travellers + Hemingway/cultural pilgrims
  • ✓Book hotels 6-12 months ahead — Pamplona hotels sell out + rates 5-8× normal
  • ✓Balcony views along Estafeta cost €50-200 per person — book ahead
  • ✓You do NOT need a ticket to run — just line up at 07:00 in Plaza Consistorial
  • ✓Wear white shirt + trousers + red scarf (pañuelo) — traditional Sanfermines dress
  • ✓The run is dangerous — ~15 deaths since 1910. 200-300 injuries per year. Do not run drunk
  • ✓Bull-fights in the evening are separate ticket + very controversial

Book hotels for Running of the Bulls (Sanfermines) 2027

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 6+ months ahead.

Fly to Pamplona Airport (or Bilbao BIO, San Sebastián EAS)

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Getting out of Pamplona (PNA)

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Frequently asked

When is Running of the Bulls 2027?
July 7-14, 2027 (bull runs 08:00 daily). Full Sanfermines festival July 6-14. Opening txupinazo firework at noon July 6.
How do I participate in the bull run?
Free — no ticket required. Line up at Plaza Consistorial by 07:00 (route closes 07:30). Run 875m in ~3 minutes. Age 18+, no drunk, no cameras/backpacks, wear white + red scarf.
Is the bull run dangerous?
Yes — 15 deaths since 1910 + 200-300 injuries annually. Falling, gorings, trampling. Never run drunk. Have exit strategy. Watch first before deciding to run.
How much are hotels during Sanfermines?
5-8× normal Pamplona rates. €300-800/night for mid-range. Book 6-12 months ahead. Alternatives: San Sebastián (1h north) or Bilbao (1h 30m west).
What do I wear for Sanfermines?
Traditional dress: white shirt + white trousers + red scarf (pañuelo) + red sash (faja). Buy on arrival for €10-20 total. Everyone wears it.