The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is the act of guiding the bulls from the outskirts of the city to the bullring.
While similar events are held in other parts of Spain, Pamplona’s encierros have become the most famous in the world.
Undoubtedly, it’s the highlight of the San Fermín festival and what has brought it international renown.
The Origins of the Running of the Bulls
In the 14th century, bulls were already part of the festivities in Pamplona.
But what we know today as the running of the bulls was born in the 18th century. Locals would come out to the streets to watch the bulls being brought to the bullring. An event known as the “entrada.”
Over time, people began running alongside the bulls, turning the event into an exciting spectacle. The city council initially tried to ban it, but it had already gained too much popularity.
The first officially authorized bull run by the city council took place in 1868.
The Running of the Bulls Today
The current encierro route is over 100 years old, as Pamplona’s bullring celebrated its centennial in 2022.
The route is 849 meters long, and in most cases, the bulls complete it in just over 2 minutes.
Although there are no precise figures, it’s estimated that around 2,000 runners participate daily, with some days seeing up to 4,000 participants.
The bull run starts at the Corral de Santo Domingo and ends at the bullring, passing through key spots like Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Calle Mercaderes, Calle Estafeta, and Telefónica.
The Sections of the Running of the Bulls:
The running of the bulls crosses the historic center of Pamplona. From the very walls of Pamplona, to the Segundo Ensanche.
Santo Domingo
The first stretch, where runners sing to San Fermín for protection.
Ayuntamiento (Town Hall)
Bulls pass through the city hall square.
Mercaderes
Known as dead man's corner.
Estafeta
The most well-known street of the encierro.
Telefónica
The route narrows before entering the bullring.
Arena
The final destination, where the bulls enter the pens.
What You Might Not Know About the Running of the Bulls:
There are many curiosities that can be told about the running of the bulls in Pamplona. We will tell you some of them, for example:
- There have been 16 fatalities since 1900. The most recent was Daniel Jimeno, a young man from Madrid, in 2009.
- The running of the bulls used to start at 6 a.m.
- The fastest encierro on record took just 2 minutes and 5 seconds on July 14, 2015.
- The longest bull run lasted 30 minutes on July 12, 1958.
- The wooden fences are set up starting in early June, consisting of over 2,000 planks and 300 posts.
- There’s a smaller version of the bull run called the encierrillo (little bull run),where bulls are moved at 10 p.m. from the Gas Corralillos to the Santo Domingo pen.
- The tradition of singing to San Fermín at the Santo Domingo niche began in 1962. The refrain “A San Fermín pedimos…” comes from the hymn of Peña La Única.
The "Txiki" Encierros
Pamplona’s children also get to experience their own bull run, though their bulls aren’t real.
Morning txiki encierros mimic the real thing, with kids running as adults push bull-shaped carts on wheels.
At night, the “bull of fire” delights the younger crowd, chasing them with fireworks. Even adults sometimes join in this lively pyrotechnic display!
