Every July, Pamplona in northern Spain bursts to life with the riotous Festival of San Fermín. It's a whirlwind of music, dance, street parties, and something you just don’t see every day: the famous running of the bulls. For a solid week, the old city’s narrow lanes are packed with revellers clad in white and red, drawn by one of the country’s most head-turning traditions. The highlight each morning is the “encierro”, where brave souls race ahead of a thundering herd of bulls through the city’s historic centre.
Festival of San Fermín 2025 dates, location & essential information
The festival officially kicks off on 6th July 2025 and runs until the closing event, the emotional 'Pobre de mí', at midnight on 14th July. Over nine days, Pamplona is transformed by music, culture, fireworks, and, of course, the world-famous running of the bulls. Festivalgoers can expect more than 500 scheduled events, and the city’s usual pace is joyfully swept aside by dancing giants, parades, costumed locals, and a buzzing atmosphere that spills out from every plaza, terrace, and bar.
Running of the Bulls 2025 – what to expect
The morning encierros—bull runs—are the festival’s heartbeat. At 8 am sharp each day from 7th to 14th July, adrenaline-charged runners dash 875 metres through Pamplona’s medieval lanes, pursued by massive fighting bulls destined for the afternoon’s corridas (bullfights). The 2025 edition will see Morante de la Puebla return after a year away, with prized herds like Álvaro Núñez (new to Pamplona) and favourites such as Andrés Roca Rey attracting the most enthusiastic crowds.
Balcony rental for the race in Pamplona
Most people, sensibly, watch from behind sturdy wooden barriers or take things up a notch and book balcony spaces. These can range from €80 to upwards of €150 per person, depending on the morning and the view. Others watch the action live on big screens in Plaza del Castillo and other key spots, giving everyone a front-row seat no matter where they are in town.
Taking part in the bull run
To take part, you’ll need to be over 18, stone-cold sober, leave your camera behind, and be ready in the route area before 7:30 am. Runners wear white and red, prayers are whispered, and nerves are tangible.
Traditions and cultural significance of San Fermín Festival
San Fermín goes far beyond bull runs. The festival pays tribute to the region’s patron saint, blending medieval tradition with the sort of communal joy only Pamplona can conjure up. From religious processions, folk dancers, and the “cabezudos” (giant puppet heads) to everyone’s favourite red neckerchief (the pañuelo), every ritual has meaning.
The Chupinazo: San Fermín’s big bang
No other opening comes close to the “Chupinazo.” At the stroke of midday on 6th July, a rocket is fired from the town hall, Plaza Consistorial, unleashing a sea of white and red into a frenzied celebration.
San Fermín 2025 schedule & main events
With so much to juggle, it’s worth keeping an eye on the day-to-day schedule and choosing your personal must-sees. If you’re navigating the festival for the first time, here are the absolute highlights drawn from the 2025 programme:
Date | Time | Event & Location |
|---|---|---|
Sunday, 6th July | 12 pm | Chupinazo (opening rocket). Casa Consistorial, with live screenings in Plaza del Castillo and other locations |
6 pm | Ronda de jotas. Escuela de jotas Manuel Turrillas, Avenida Roncesvalles | |
6:30 pm | Corrida de rejones (bullfight on horseback). Plaza de Toros | |
8pm | Solemn vespers for San Fermín. Capilla de San Fermín (San Lorenzo Church) | |
11 pm | Fireworks. 23rd International Contest, Ciudadela | |
Monday, 7th July | 7 am | Equine livestock fair. Polígono Agustinos (until 3 pm) |
8 am | First encierro (bull run) | |
10 am | Procession and mass for San Fermín. Capilla de San Fermín | |
5:30 pm | Parade of horsemen, mulillas, and marching band. From Plaza Consistorial to Plaza de Toros | |
Tuesday, 8 July | 8 am | Second encierro |
12:30 pm | Ronda jotera. Gracia Navarra group. From Avenida Roncesvalles (Monumento Encierro) | |
8 pm | Puppet theatre. Plaza de la Libertad. Street party with Orquesta Dolche, Plaza de la Cruz (until 10 pm) | |
Wednesday, 9 July Día de la Jota | 8 am | Third encierro |
7 pm | Dances. Paseo de Sarasate (until 8 pm). Youth Zone, Plaza de los Fueros (until 10:30 pm) | |
Thursday, 10 July Children's Day | 8 am | Fourth encierro |
11 am | Children’s offering to San Fermín. Rincón de la Aduana | |
12:30 pm | Children’s dance festival. Plaza del Castillo; Cabaret, Plaza de la Compañía; Street music, Calle Mercaderes | |
1:30 pm | Bagpipers’ gathering. Plaza Consistorial | |
Friday, 11 July Seniors Day | 8 am | Fifth encierro |
10:45 am | Seniors’ mass. Capilla de San Fermín | |
Saturday, 12 July | 8 am | Sixth encierro |
Sunday, 13 July | 8 am | Seventh encierro |
Monday, 14 July ‘¡Pobre de mí!’ | 8 am | Eighth encierro |
10:45 am | Octava de San Fermín. Plaza Consistorial | |
Midnight | ‘¡Pobre de mí!’ closing event. Plaza Consistorial |
Music and concerts in San Fermín 2025
Live music is everywhere during San Fermín, but Plaza del Castillo is where the main gigs happen. Turn up early to grab a spot—these gigs are open-air and free. The 2025 lineup features something for nearly every musical taste:
Date | Artist(s) | Time |
|---|---|---|
6th July | Bulego | 11:45 pm |
7th July | Tatxers / Kaotiko | 11:45 pm / 12:50 am |
8th July | Rozalén | 11:45 pm |
9th July | Leire Martínez | 11:45 pm |
10th July | OBK / Ladilla Rusa | 11:45 pm / 1 am |
11th July | Dupla / Zea Mays | 11:45 pm / 12:50 am |
12th July | Sara Socas / Cali y El Dandee | 10:00 pm / 11:45 pm |
13th July | Villano Antillano / Lia Kali | 11:45 pm / 1 am |
Tips for experiencing the Pamplona Festival
- Getting there: trains (Renfe), buses and regional flights bring you straight into Pamplona. At festival time, expect crowds and book in advance.
- Where to stay: accommodation fills up fast—book hotels, apartments or hostels months ahead if you want to be within walking distance of the Old Town action.
- Dress code: white clothes, red neckerchief, comfy shoes, and weather-appropriate layers for chilly mornings but hot afternoons.
- Food and drink: Pamplona’s bars serve up pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and hearty Navarrese stews.
- Navigating crowds & safety: petty theft is rare but possible in the crush, so keep valuables safe and steer clear of the most rambunctious bits if you prefer a calmer vibe.
Other Spanish festivals in summer
If you fancy more fiesta once the bulls have run their last lap at San Fermín, the country’s summer calendar is jam-packed. You'll find plenty of music festivals in Spain happening all over the country. Get a taste of southern Spanish culture and check out some live flamenco shows in Andalusia, or make the most of the national holidays in Spain to dip your toe in another part of Spanish culture.
Finding your spot: the safest areas to stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that’s easy to fall for, and it’s a brilliant place to spend some time. If you're heading over for a short visit, a study term, or are just testing the waters by renting a room for a while, then getting to grips with the safest areas to stay in Barcelona is a huge part of the puzzle. Getting the right spot to set up camp can really make all the difference to your stay, helping you get under the skin of this brilliant Catalan city.
Beyond the resorts: areas to avoid in Tenerife & authentic alternatives
Tenerife is a real place of contrasts with its stark volcanic heart, lush northern valleys and sunny southern coastline. It’s a year-round favourite for a reason, and most visits are completely trouble-free. However, like any destination that draws big crowds, some parts might not offer the experience you’re looking for. A few areas can feel overwhelmingly commercial, while others are perhaps best avoided if you're after a quiet, authentic stay. Knowing about these specific areas to avoid in
Things to do in Benalmádena: beaches, the pueblo and top attractions
Benalmádena is a popular spot on the Costa del Sol, located in the province of Málaga. You won't run out of things to do in Benalmádena as the town is split into three very different areas, each with heaps going on. You have Benalmádena Costa, which has long sandy beaches and the well-known Puerto Marina. Further inland and connecting the areas is Arroyo de la Miel, which feels more like a lived-in Spanish town and acts as the main commercial centre. Then, set back on the hillside, is Benalm
Who owns the Savage Islands? The dispute between Spain and Portugal
Few know that, in the middle of the Atlantic north of the Canary Islands, lies a small, wild archipelago sparking an age-old rivalry. The Savage Islands conceal a territorial dispute stretching back over five centuries. Discover who owns the Savage Islands and all you need to know about this intriguing territory.
Living in Torrox: Costa del Sol's sunniest spot
Located on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, in the Axarquía region, you’ll find Torrox. This whitewashed municipality makes a rather bold claim: to have the best climate in Europe. Its position, sheltered by mountains and moderated by the Mediterranean, creates genuinely mild winters and pleasant summers, making the idea of living in Torrox particularly appealing. Home to around 20,000 people, including a considerable number of international residents from Britain and Germany, which
Things to do in San Sebastian: pintxos, beaches and city views
Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, in Spain's Basque Country, San Sebastián—or Donostia, as it's known in Basque—is a city that effortlessly combines Belle Époque elegance with its status as a world-class foodie playground. It's framed by the glistening bay of La Concha on one side and rolling green hills on the other.
What to do in Valencia in August 2025: events, festivals and free activities
If you're planning a summer escape to Spain, Valencia in August should be high on your list. This vibrant Mediterranean city offers a brilliant mix of culture, festivals, beaches and long, sunny days — making it one of the best places to visit in Spain during the summer.