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Pamplona 2013
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!
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!
Escape on a one way trip to exciting Pamplona for the wild Running of the Bulls and thrilling San Fermin fiesta!
Starting and ending in London, this trip will take you to the fun and madness of Pamplona's Running of the Bulls!
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!
Get ready for sunshine, sangria and a lot of bulls heading your way on this ultimate Pamplona experience!
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!
Get ready for sunshine, sangria and a lot of bulls heading your way on this ultimate Pamplona experience!
Duration
Countries
Price
Jul 13 - Jul 13
Days
Country
US$365pp
Jul 13 - Jul 13
Days
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US$365pp
Jul 13 - Jul 13
Days
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US$479pp
Jul 13 - Jul 13
Days
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US$519pp
Jul 13 - Jul 13
Days
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US$549pp
Jul 13 - Jul 13
Days
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US$575pp
Jul 13 - Jul 13
Days
Country
US$699pp
Jul 13 - Jul 13
Days
Country
US$709pp
Pamplona 2013 - 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!
The Spanish city of Pamplona is famous for 'San Fermin festival'. It celebrates the life of ‘San Fermin’, the first Bishop of Pamplona who was martyred by the Romans. 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. The festival itself runs from midday on the 6th July until midnight on the 14th July. Over many years the mainly religious festival of San Fermin was diluted by music, dancing, bullfights and markets.
What happens?
Opening Ceremony
- The ‘fiesta San Fermin’ is officially opened at midday on 6th July each year. Traditional dress for the festival is all white clothes with a red scarf around the waist and one that is worn around the wrist. 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. During the day you can expect atmospheric singing, dancing, copious amounts of sangria and non-stop partying in the streets.
Running of the Bulls
- The best-known event of the festival is the ‘encierro’ (Running of the Bulls). This event is held each morning at 08:00 am from the 7th -14th July (inclusive). Runners do not need to register, simply turn up before 8am in preparation for the run, which is approximately 830 metres long. The runners begin and are followed by 6 fighting bulls, which are herded by some old steers. The bulls run through the streets and on into the arena.
Other Festival Highlights
- Parade of Giants - held each morning with huge paper mache figures dancing and swirling in the streets.
- 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.
- Corrida - or Bull Fights are held each evening from 6.30pm in the arena when three Matadors fight two bulls each.
- Firework display - is put on each evening near the old Citadel at 11.00pm.
- 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:
- On Opening Ceremony Day no bulls run. It's party time with sangria, egg & flour throwing.
- You should try to wear traditional white & red clothing. Buy these at the markets or shops in the centre of town - they are not expensive.
- Your red neck tie (panuelo) is tradionally held up to the mayor at the opening ceremony and put around your neck after noon – it should not be removed at all until the end of the festival.
- If you are claustrophobic, stand on the outside of the main square during the opening ceremony as it is very crowded, or celebrate in one of the smaller and not as busy squares around town.
- Bring closed shoes to wear to avoid getting injured.
- The actual bull run is at 8am every day. You need to get up very early to get a good spot for viewing or to run.
- You can watch the bull run from a balcony, you can also watch in the main square on big screens, in the stadium or join the actual run.
- Glass is not allowed on the main streets. You can buy pouches to hold your drinks.
- Bring sunscreen - it gets hot!
- Bring your stamina!
Why Topdeck?
Camping
- European Trained Topdeck Trip Leaders, Drivers and Crew
- Party in town and recharge your batteries at the stunning Camping Aritzaleku 40km from the city. Based next to a lake where you can swim, sail or canoe it really is the best way to soak up the sun and chill out between the parties in town
- Regular free Topdeck shuttles to take you between Pamplona and the camp site
- Delicious hot breakfast provided by Topdeck Cooks
- Fantastic facilities at the campsite, with a bar, restaurant and buzzing atmosphere
- Travel with like-minded travellers aged 18-39
Central Accommodation
- European Trained Topdeck Trip Leaders
- Have the pleasure of based in the city of Pamplona within walking distance of all of the festival events and parties
- Stay in apartments with excellent facilities nearby and 10 minute walk to the nightly fireworks display
- Have the option to experience Pamplona Closing ceremony, mix with the locals for the part of the festival that draws in less tourists. Join the large crowd gathered to sing "Pobre de Mí, Pobre de Mí, que se han acabado las fiestas, de San Fermín." (poor me, poor me, for the fiesta of San Fermín has come to a close)
- Travel with like-minded travellers aged 18-39
How to get there
If you are not on one of our coach departure from London there are a few options to make your own way to Pamplona:
- There is only one small airport in Pamplona, with regional flights from Madrid arriving only a few times per day. So flights to Pamplona are often really expensive!
- 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.
- 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.
- Once at Pamplona you can make your way to either our camping or central accommodation, directions will be provided on your pre departure information.
Topdeck Rewards
Book your 2nd, 3rd or maybe even 4th festival with us to take advantage of our Topdeck Rewards programme & save
