Visiting Pamplona For The San Fermin Festival

If you want to travel to Spain in order to take part in one of its famous festivals, then you should go to Pamplona and visit during the San Fermin Festival. The world-renowned festival is the typical, traditional Spanish fiesta which millions of people dream of seeing. The festival is known by the Spaniards as ‘’Sanfermines’’ and it celebrates San Fermin, the patron saint of Pamplona, the popular city situated in the Basque country.

Visit the city between July 6th and July 14th and you will be part of a great Spanish tradition that has taken place for centuries, a celebration of the pure Spanish spirit and the ancient traditions of this spectacular country.

The festival and its traditions

The San Fermin Festival became famous due to the running of the bulls. An 800-meter long stretch is the distance along which 6 bulls, each weighing at least half a ton, are allowed to run freely. Those who want a big dose of adrenaline and have the necessary courage to do so run in front of them.

This tradition attracts the interest of thousands of tourists who overrun Pamplona during the one week in which the festival falls. However, this is not the only tradition in which you will be taking part. The festival incorporates in just one week a series of traditions and festivals that are centuries old. For example, the running of the bulls seems to date back to the 14th century.

What to expect during the festival

You should know that when you see the ‘’chupizano’’, that is, the firing rocket, the festival is starting and you should hurry in order not to miss any activities. Thousands of locals meet in the main square of the city, right in front of the town hall, and start popping Cava corks and spraying everyone with the wine. Then they put on the famous red neckerchiefs and the party is ready to begin.

The moment that most attracts tourists is the ‘’Encierro’’, or the bull running, as every single morning six bulls are released by the locals on the streets of the city. The job is a very dangerous one as fatalities have been recorded as well as hundreds of severe injuries. While in Pamplona, you should also witness a ‘corrida’’ that takes places in the city’s bull ring, as it really is a show that you simply cannot miss. After this, enjoy the good food and drink, the music and the late-night partying and make sure you have a lot of fun!