Running of the Bulls 2024 Pamplona | San Fermin Festival 2024 Program.

By Luis Cuesta – De SOL y SOMBRA.

The running of the bulls is the main attraction in this famous celebration that turns Pamplona into one non-stop fiesta.

The city of Pamplona is world famous thanks to its San Fermín fiestas. Thousands of people come every year to experience the risk and excitement of the popular running of the bulls, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in his novel Fiesta. For nine days, Pamplona residents and visitors alike, dressed typically in red and white, get carried away by the continuous festive spirit that invades the streets.

San Fermín starts 6 July at midday. At that moment the chupinazo is launched from the balcony of the town hall. It is a rocket that marks the official start of the fiesta, causing an outburst of joy amidst the crowd gathered in the square. The first running of the bulls is held the following day: at 8am sharp the doors of the Santo Domingo corral are opened, and hundreds of people run in front of the bulls on their route through the old town to the bullring.

This brief yet intense race is repeated every day 7-14 July. It covers 825 metres and lasts barely three minutes. The launching of rockets indicates the different parts of the race to participants: the first rocket signals the opening of the corral gates; the second means that all the bulls are out; the third, this one in the square, marks the entrance of the bulls into the ring; the fourth means they are in the bullpen and that the race is over. One of the most exciting moments happens a few minutes before the start of the running of the bulls, when runners entrust themselves to San Fermín, singing three times in front of a small statue on Cuesta de Santo Domingo Street.

Furthermore, every morning during the fiestas there is a parade of “giants and big-heads” through the centre of the city, for the little ones to enjoy. The festive programme also includes open-air celebrations, concerts, dance exhibitions and, of course, bullfights. They tend to be lively events, as organised groups of bullfighting fans pack the stands. San Fermín finishes 14th July at midnight, when the crowds make their way to the Town Hall Square and, with candles alight, sing “Pobre de mí”, to bid farewell to the fiesta until the following year.

July 6th – Evening Vespers, A religious service is held on the evening of Jul 6th which is attended by the entire city council at the church of San Lorenzo which proudly holds relics of Pamplona´s patron saint, San Fermin. Vespers are sung by local choir & recordings go back to 15th century.

July 7th -16st Bullrun/Encierro, At 7 a.m. the 1st bullrun takes place on July 7th streets adjoining the route of the running of the bulls are closed off in preparation for the 8 a.m. Bullrun. This day is always very dangerous as it attracts the most runners traditionally. We advise to be in your running position by 7 a.m. as streets get closed off!!

Encierros 2024

Sunday, 7 de July: Encierro of La Palmosilla.

Monday, 8: Encierro of José Cebada Gago.

Tuesday, 9 de julio: Encierro of Victoriano del Río.

Wednesday, 10 de julio: Encierro of Fuente Ymbro.

Thursday: Encierro of Domingo Hernández.

Friday, 12: Encierro of Jandilla y Vegahermosa

Saturday, 13: Encierro of José Escolar Gil.

Sunday, 14: Encierro of Miura.

July 7th – 10:30 a.m. – Riau Riau At 10:30 am on July 7th, the effigy of San Fermin is carried from the church of San Lorenzo & is followed by a procession of the city council dressed in ceremonial regalia, clergy including the bishop of Pamplona & the locals.

July 6th-13th – Encierillo at Night, the bulls are moved from the large corrals accross the river up to the corral at Santo Domingo for the morning´s encierro. Spectators are limited by the City Council & must have a security pass. The Encierillo is signaled by the blowing of a ram´s horn. The only persons in the street are the pastors & herders who work with the bulls. Onlookers observe from the high walls in total silence, anyone making noise or using flash camera would be considered to be distracting the bulls & most likely find themselves in jail with a hefty fined.

July 6th-14th – 9:30 a.m. – Gigantes, Daily the City Giants take to the streets of Pamplona. 8 giants, 4-5 metres in height & first designed by Navarra artist, Tadeo Amorena around 1850´s. they represent the mythical queens & kings of Europe, Africa, America & Asia. The Gigantes dance through the streets of pamplona & are extremely popular with the young children.

July 7th-14th – 7:30 p.m. -Merienda in Bullring, A light late afternoon meal eaten all year round but during sanfermines it is typical to “meriendar” in the Plaza de Toros (bullring) at 7.30 pm after the 3rd of 6 bullfights & washed down with gallons of sangria & kalimotcho.

July 8th-14th – 3:00 a.m. – “Caldo Soup” A light consume which is very popular with the bullrunners who have stayed up all night! beware…they start serving at 3 a.m.

July 14 – Closing Ceremony- “Pobre de Mí” A beautiful candlelight closing ceremony held at the Plaza Consistorial on july 14th. At the stroke of midnight, a rocket is fired to mark the closing of the fiesta & this is when the pañuelo is removed.