San Fermín

Nine days of processions, music and the running of the bulls in Pamplona, from 6 to 14 July.

San Fermín starts at noon on 6 July with the chupinazo, the rocket fired from the town hall balcony, and ends at midnight on 14 July with the Pobre de mí. From 7 July, the encierro, or bull run, starts at 08:00 each morning and runs for under a kilometre through the old town to the bullring. If you are not running, rent a balcony along Calle Estafeta or Calle Mercaderes, because the barriers along the route fill long before 08:00. The procession of the saint on 7 July is the most traditional moment of the week. Dress in white with a red neckerchief, like everyone else. Rooms in Pamplona sell out months ahead and prices rise sharply, so many visitors stay in nearby towns and come in by bus.