7Running of the Bulls (San Fermín) – Pamplona, Navarra
The San Fermín festival in Pamplona, celebrated every July, is famous for its Running of the Bulls (Encierro). Each morning, participants dash through the city’s narrow streets, chased by bulls, while spectators cheer from the sidelines. It’s an event that combines adrenaline, tradition, and a centuries-old ritual honoring the town’s patron saint.
Beyond the bull runs, the festival is a week-long celebration with music, dancing, fireworks, and parades featuring giants and big-head figures known as gigantes y cabezudos. While the bull run is thrilling, visitors can enjoy cultural events, local cuisine, and the festive atmosphere without participating in the dash.
Why go? For an unforgettable mix of courage, tradition, and cultural spectacle.
