Spain is a country known for flamenco and bullfighting, but a place where the bull is the soul of the party is Pamplona. In the Spanish capital city of Navarra, one of the most famous festivals in the world is known as the festival of San Fermín or Sanfermines is celebrated.
This is a series of activities that take place annually in honor of San Fermin, one of the patrons of Navarra. The festivities begin on July 6th at 12:00/ noon, at which from the balcony of the City Hall of Chupinazo (a rocket indicating the start of the holidays) is released and the celebrations are extend until July 14th at 12: 00 pm, moment when thousands of people gather in the Town Hall Square with lighted candles to sing “poor me” a song with which to dismiss the celebration until the next year.
The main attraction of these festivities are the popular bulls in Pamplona and visitors wear a red scarf around their necks, they risk a tour of 849 meters through the old part of the city while being chased by bulls; culminating with the arrival in the bullring where they will be monitored until their participation in the race that will take place in the afternoon.
Although the trip takes an average of three minutes, the risk and excitement of the race make an unbeatable experience, being used by the boldest; since the running start on the day seven and repeated daily until July 14th at 8:00 am. It only requires good physical condition and to have very good reflexes, plus you have to get up early to access the route before 7:30 am; without forgetting to choose clothes and shoes that allow you to feel as comfortable as possible.
But getting up early has another advantage, and that will give you enough time to choose the right length, which can withstand the pace of the bulls for about 50 meters long. However, if you choose not to perform the closure you can also enjoy renting a space on a private balcony or for free you can be at a second wooden fence installed along the route, but to find the best sites in the latter, you must arrive before six in the morning.
Nevertheless, the bulls are not the only thing to enjoy during this holiday season; since the program includes parades, concerts, bullfights, dance exhibitions and other events. Therefore, we invite you to write down these dates in your diary and dare to visit Pamplona on your next trip; we assure you will have the best memories.
ALFA