Run with the Bulls...or watch the ones who do!

There really is no comparison to the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain. For eight incredible days, the city of Pamplona takes on a playful mystique, consumed by the perpetual state of bliss that the celebration brings. Where else can you mix religion, thrills, parties, parades… and bovines? At Running of the Bulls 2024!

From the Chupinazo (Opening Ceremony) to the bull fights, from the tapas to the wine, from exclusive viewing balconies to the intimate Pobre de mi (Closing Ceremony), we have you covered. Bottom line, your Bucket List Events staff is at your service to ensure that your San Fermin Festival experience exceeds all expectations.

 

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Highlights of what we do in Pamplona and San Sebastian

 

  • 4-star hotel accommodations near the festival
  • Daily buffet breakfast in hotel
  • Commemorative Running of the Bulls attire
  • Exclusive access to balconies overlooking the run
  • Walking tour of the Running of the Bulls course
  • Tapas happy hour
  • Authentic Iruna dinner
  • Bull fight tickets
  • Overnight trip to beautiful San Sebastian
  • Insider knowledge from San Fermin pros

Bull Run

Thinking about hitting the streets and running with the bulls?

You’re in for an adrenaline rush unlike any other! But as with many wild and crazy bucket list items, running with the bulls comes with its fair share of dangers.

If you’re reading this, we first want to say: good for you for doing your research first! Nobody should run with the bulls without doing their due diligence to understand the course, the rules, and best practices for staying safe.

With over a decade of experience a the San Fermin festival, our travel guides have witnessed dozens of bull runs (and participated in a few as well!). Our travel vendors have learned a thing or two over the years about how to not only survive the run unscathed, but also about how to have a great time! Here is what you should know about the course before you run:

The Running of the Bulls takes place on a roughly 800 yard stretch (roughly half a mile) of closed off streets in downtown Pamplona. The bulls are released just south of the Arga river and stampede down the Cuesta de Santo Domingo and the Calle de la Estafeta up until the Plaza de Toros, Pamplona’s historic bull ring.

Don’t try to outrun a stampede of bulls without doing a bit of research first. Here is the run-down about when, where, and how to run, including many safety questions you may be asking before you take off.

There are 8 bull runs during each San Fermin festival,

which begins on July 7th and concludes on July 14th every year. Each bull run begins at 8 AM and is over in about two minutes.

Anyone over the age of 18 who is not impaired by drugs and/or alcohol is permitted to run with the bulls. You do not have to register ahead of time to run with the bulls and it does not cost any money to run. Just show up before the run starts at 8AM and hop in!

The rules for running with the bulls are simple and straight-forward:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be sober
  • Do not wear flip-flops, sandals, or high-heeled shoes
  • Do not touch the bulls
  • No electronics (this includes phones, cameras, GoPros, selfie-sticks, etc.)

Break any of these rules and you will be quickly pulled out of the run by surly police personnel who have zero patience for tourists who choose to endanger their own lives as well as the lives of others.

You have two options for watching the bull run safely from the sidelines.

First, you can stand at the street level. Watching from the street can be fun since you’re so close to the run, but it can be very crowded and hard to see. Furthermore, and although it is relatively rare, bystanders have been injured in the past.

Second, you can watch from the second-story windows or balconies in apartments along the course. Bucket List Event travelers are guaranteed a spot in one of our two, excellently-located balcony apartments, overlooking all the action.


It is important that travelers have the right expectation before attending the San Fermin festival. This is a centuries old tradition and an important part of Spanish culture, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the right environment for everyone. While the mood at the festival and the bull fights is incredibly jovial, we understand that many people may be upset by this fact. We recommend that anyone considering attending or running processes t this aspect of the festival before booking their travel, so that they are not caught off guard once they are in Pamplona.

Pricing

The Running of the Bulls travel packages are customized to fit your needs, schedule, and budget. Talk to your AAA Travel Agent today about package options and pricing.

Open for Booking: 2024

Ready for Adventure? Connect with a AAA Travel Agent.800-874-7317

It is important that travelers have the right expectation before attending the San Fermin festival. This is a centuries old tradition and an important part of Spanish culture, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the right environment for everyone. While the mood at the festival and the bull fights is incredibly jovial, we understand that many people may be upset by this fact. We recommend that anyone considering attending or running processes t this aspect of the festival before booking their travel, so that they are not caught off guard once they are in Pamplona.