San Fermin Pamplona Spain | Running of

the Bulls

The fiestas of San Fermin are celebrated in Irunea/Pamplona, in the region of Navarra,
every year from the 6th to the 14th of July. They have become internationally known because
of the running of the bulls, where the bulls are lead through the streets of the old quarter as
far as the bull ring by runners.

The fiestas are celebrated in honor of San Fermin, patron saint of Navarra, although the
religious aspect would seem to have taken on a secondary role over the last number of years.
Nowadays, the fiestas are seen as a mass gathering of people from all the corners of the world
and where the partying, the fun and the joy of it all are the most outstanding ingredients.

Chants to San Fermin

The bull run has a particularly emotional prelude. It is when the runners, just a few metres up
the slope from the corral where the bulls are waiting, raise their rolled newspapers and chant
to an image of San Fermin placed in a small recess in the wall in the Cuesta de Santo
Domingo. Against the strongest of silences, the following words can be heard: "A San
Fermin pedimos, por ser nuestro patron, nos guie en el encierro dandonos su bendicion." (We
ask San Fermin, being our patron saint, to guide us in the bull run and give us his blessing).
When they finish they shout "Viva San Fermin!, Gora San Fermin." This chant is sung three
times before 8am first, then when there are five minutes to go before 8am, then three minutes
and one minute before the gate of the corral is opened.

Rockets in the bullring

The third rocket, fired from the bullring, signals that all the bulls have entered the bullring. A
fourth and final rocket indicates that all the bulls are safely in the corral located inside the
bullring, and that the bull run has ended.
A fence of 3,000 parts
For security reasons, a double fence marks out the route of the bull run through the streets. It
is made of over 3,000 wooden parts (planks, posts, gates, etc.). Part of the fence stays put
throughout the fiesta but other sections are assembled and disassembled every day by a
special brigade of workers.

The role of the pastores

A large number of pastores (bull "shepherds") cover the entire bull run. They place
themselves behind the bulls, with their only protection being a long stick. Their main role is
to stop the odd idiot from inciting the bulls from behind, to avoid the bulls turning round and
running backwards, and to help any bulls that have stopped or have been separated from their
companions to continue running towards the bullring.

The dobladores
Other key people in the bull run are the dobladores, people with good bullfighting knowledge
(sometimes ex-bullfighters) who take up position in the bullring with capes to help the
runners "fan out" (in other words, run to the sides after they enter the bullring) and "drag" the
bulls towards the corral as quickly as possible.

The two groups of mansos (bullocks)

The six fighting bulls that will take part in the evening bullfight start the run accompanied by
an initial group of mansos, which act as "guides" to help the bulls cover the route. Two
minutes after leaving the corral in Santo Domingo, a second group of bullocks (the so-called
"sweep-up" group), which are slower and smaller than the first one, are let out to lead any
bulls that might have stopped or been left behind in the bull run towards the bullring.

Useful information about the bull run

The encierro is an unrepeatable experience for spectators and runners alike. It is a spectacle
that is defined by the level of risk and the physical ability of the runners.

An inexperienced runner should learn about the characteristics of this dangerous "race"
(although it should not be considered as a race) before starting, and also about the protective
measures to be taken for his/her own safety and that of the people running alongside.

Not everyone can run the encierro. It requires cool nerves, quick reflexes and a good level of
physical fitness. Anyone who does not have these three should not take part. It is a highly
risky enterprise.

Runners should start somewhere between the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square) and
the pink-slab Education building in the Cuesta of Santo Domingo, and they should be there
before 7:30am because entry to the run is closed from that time on. The rest of the run, except
for the stretch mentioned above, must be completely clear of runners until a few minutes
before 8am.

What is not allowed in the bull run

 People under 18 years of age, who must not run or participate.

 Crossing police barriers placed to ensure that the run goes off smoothly.
 Standing in areas and places along the route that have been expressly prohibited by
the municipal police force.
 Before the bulls are released, waiting in corners, blind spots, doorways or in entrances
to other establishments located along the run.
 Leaving doors of shops or entrances to apartments open along the route. The
responsibility for ensuring these doors are closed lies with the owners or tenants of the
properties.
 Being in the bull run while drunk, under the effects of drugs or in any other improper
manner.
 Carrying objects that are unsuitable for the run to take place correctly.
 Wearing inappropriate clothes or footwear for the run.
 Inciting the bulls or attracting their attention in any manner, and for whatever reason,
along the route of the run or in the bullring.
 Running backwards towards the bulls or running behind them.
 Holding, harassing or maltreating the bulls and stopping them from moving or being
led to the pens in the bullring.
 Stopping along the run and staying on the fence, barriers or in doorways in such a
way that the run or the safety of other runners is jeopardised.
 Taking photographs inside the run, or from the fences or barriers without due
authorisation.
 Carrying objects that are unsuitable for the good order and security of the bull run.
 Installing elements that invade horizontal, vertical or aerial space along the bull run,
unless expressly authorised by the Mayor's Office.
 Any other action that could hamper the bull run taking place normally.