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Pamplona 2012
Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, known by the locals as San Fermin, is one of the wildest and craziest festivals in Europe. Join us as we celebrate in this amazing atmosphere, with bull runs, street parties, dancing and copious Sangria fights!
The world-renowned San Fermin festival in Spain runs from 6-14 of July each year. Enjoy bull runs, street parties, fireworks and a great vibe!
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- Spain
Escape on a one way trip to exciting Pamplona for the wild Running of the Bulls and thrilling San Fermin fiesta!
Days
Countries
- Spain
Starting and ending in London, this trip will take you to the fun and madness of Pamplona's Running of the Bulls!
Days
Countries
- Spain
Get ready for sunshine, sangria and a lot of bulls heading your way on this ultimate Pamplona experience!
Days
Countries
- Spain
The world-renowned San Fermin festival in Spain runs from 6-14 of July each year. Bull runs, street parties, fireworks and a great vibe!
Days
Countries
- Spain
Pamplona 2012 - what is it all about?
Nothing can prepare you for your first Pamplona experience. The Spanish sure know how to party and the famous Festival San Fermin is no exception. Truly something that must be experienced first hand - there is a whole lot more to this festival than running with the bulls!
About the Festival:-
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The Spanish city of Pamplona is famous for 'San Fermin festival'.
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It celebrates the life of ‘San Fermin’, the first Bishop of Pamplona who was martyred by the Romans.
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The modern day festival has evolved from this as well as individual commercial and bullfighting fiestas which can be traced back to the 14th century.
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The festival runs from midday on the 6th July until midnight on the 14th July.
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Over many years the mainly religious festival of San Fermin was diluted by music, dancing, bullfights and markets.
What happens?
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Opening Ceremony
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The ‘fiesta San Fermin’ is officially opened at midday.
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Traditional dress for the festival is all white clothes with a red scarf that is worn around the wrist.
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As the bell strikes noon on opening day wave your scarf over head before tying it around your neck where it should be worn for the duration of the festival.
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During the day you can expect atmospheric singing, dancing, copious amounts of sangria and non-stop partying in the streets.
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Running of the Bulls
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The best-known event of the festival is the ‘encierro’ (Running of the Bulls).
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This event is held each morning at 08:00 am from the 7th -14th July (inclusive).
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Runners do not need to register, simply turn up before 8am in preparation for the run, which is approximately 830 metres long.
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The runners begin and are followed by 6 fighting bulls, which are herded by some old steers.
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The bulls run through the streets and on into the arena.
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Other Festival Highlights
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Parade of Giants - held each morning with huge paper mache figures dancing and swirling in the streets.
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Fire bull - or what appears to be a man in a steel drum covered in firecrackers, is let loose to entertain young and old, each evening.
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Corrida - or Bull Fights are held each evening from 6.30pm in the arena when three Matadors fight two bulls each.
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Firework display - is put on each evening near the old Citadel at 11.00pm.
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Closing Ceremony - the locals gather in the main square, the Plaza de Castillo, to form a candle light procession to the old church to bid farewell to the festivities for another year which is followed by yet another massive firework display at midnight.
10 things to know before you go:-
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On Opening Ceremony Day no bulls run. It's party time with sangria, egg & flour throwing.
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You should try to wear traditional white & red clothing. Buy these at the markets near the centre of town - they are not expensive.
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Your red neck tie (panuelo) is tradionally held up to the mayor at the opening ceremony and put around your neck after 12 noon – it should not be removed at all until the end of the festival.
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If you are claustrophobic, stand on the outside of the main square as it is very crowded, or celebrate in one of the smaller and not as busy squares around town.
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Bring closed shoes to wear to avoid getting injured.
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The actual bull run is at 8am every morning. You need to get up very early to get a good spot for viewing or to run.
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You can watch the bull run from a balcony, in the main square on big screens, in the stadium or join the actual run.
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Glass is not allowed on the main streets. You can buy pouches to hold your drinks.
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Bring sun screen - it gets hot!
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Bring your stamina!
How to get there:
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There is only one small airport in Pamplona, with regional flights from Madrid arriving only a few times per day. So fligths to Pamplona are often really expensive!
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Bilbao airport, located on Spain's northern coast, is used by most budget travellers getting to Pamplona. A bus runs several times a day from Bilbao bus station to Pamplona and takes about 2 hours.
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Alternatively, if you fly into Madrid or Barcelona there are both buses and trains from these cities to Pamplona. Since these cities are a little further away, it takes between 3 to 6 hous to get to Pamplona, depending upon how you travel.
Topdeck Rewards
Book your 2nd, 3rd or maybe even 4th festival with us to take advantage of our Topdeck Rewards programme & save!
