The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is one of the most famous and well known festivals in Spain. ‘El Encierro’; literally translated to ‘the enclosing’ in Spanish, is a practice involving people running in front of bulls that have been let loose in a sub-sectioned off part of a town for approximately 750 metres. The most famous running of the bulls is held during the nine day festival of San Fermin in the city of Pamplona, although they are held in other cities throughout Spain.

The Pamplona Encierro is the most renowned bull run in Spain, and thousands of visitors flock to the city to witness and participate in the event every year. The Pamplona Bull Run takes place every morning at 8 am from the 7th to the 14th of July during the San Fermin Fiesta. The run starts from the Corral at Santa Domingo where the bulls are kept and ends at the bull ring where they will be fighting that same afternoon. The length of this run is approximately 825 metres, and takes around three minutes to complete.

All of the runners traditionally dress in white shirts and trousers with red waistbands and a neckerchief. Before the run begins the participants say a prayer to a statue of Saint Fermin to ask for his protection and blessing for the run. A rocket is fired to signal to the runners that the corral has been opened and to get ready. Six fighting bulls and two herds of bullocks are released when a second rocket is fired to signal to the runners that they have left the corral and that it is time for them to start the run. Participants race for their lives to the bull ring where the bulls are cordoned off and a rocket is fired to signal that the race is over.

The Pamplona Encierro is a popular event, and people arrive at the race early in the morning to ensure a good spot for watching. There are fences that mark the route of the Bull Run, and it is possible to stand behind these to watch the race. Many people choose to stand on overlooking balconies which offer unhindered views of the participants. The bullfights are held in the afternoons after the race, and tickets are sold at the ring or by individual sellers at the Plaza de Toros. The arena holds 12,500 people and tickets sell quickly.

The history of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is not entirely clear. It is believed to have stemmed from the transport of bulls to off-site corrals back in the sixteenth century. Youngsters would jump amongst the bulls to show off their bravado, and in the 17th century, a few daring spectators jumped in front of the bulls and ran for the first time.

Today, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a world renowned event that was immortalised in Ernest Hemingway’s novel ‘The Sun Also Rises’. Thousands of locals and tourists participate in the event and join in with the nine day festivities.