Spain is a fabulous holiday destination and the fact that a few years back it was the second most visited country in the world after France gives you an indication of its popularity. Its mild climate, its sandy beaches, its entertainment hot spots, nightlife and festivals ensure Spain remains a sparkling gem in the tourism crown.
Of the many festivals in Spain, it is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona that pricks my interest the most. Apparently anyone over 18 can jump right in and take part. You just have to understand the few simple rules and abide by them.
I wasn't really sure before going to the Pamplona Running of the Bulls whether I would have the guts to actually run, but I thought I would look first and make my decision later. Nevertheless, it is something that I've always watched on TV and thought "This looks crazy!". Well once I made my mind up to go, I guess there was no going back, so when we booked the trip for the whole San Fermin festival between July 6 and July 14 I knew I would have to give it ago.
Almost every town and city across Spain holds a Bull Run festival each year. But there is only one world renowned Running of the Bulls and that occurs in Pamplona. I had a look at accommodation options during the San Fermin Festival and found that accommodation during this time can be really expensive. If you want to do things on a bit of a budget then I suggest you look at camping as there is quite a few tour operators that do Pamplona camping tours. The Pamplona tour companies plan everything for you, including transport, a place to sleep and quite often breakfast. A number of tour companies also have hotel tours and as I wasn't on a budget we booked into a hotel known as Gran Hotel La Perla. This hotel had a great location with a balcony that looked over the road where the running of the bulls occurred each morning.
The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a totally chaotic experience, some would say it is for the insane. I wanted to be insane just this once, envisioning the faces of friends and family back home when I relayed the events. One thing is for sure, my friend and I were intending to be part of the week long party and the ongoing flow of traditional sangria.
I know Im keeping you guessing on the bull run, but I have to tell you there is plenty to do in Pamplona during San Fermin other than the Bull Run. The parties start early and go long into the night. There are so many little bars we went to and ate some really tasty food at some cool local restaurants. Quite often though we would just go to a tapas bar and have some snacks. Tapas is perfect to keep you going during San Fermin's not stop party. The bars and restaurants open late, but remember, in Spain they have a siesta in the afternoon so Pamplona, even during San Fermin, is like a ghost town. There is still plenty happening throughout the day and night with parades and what not, as well as the fireworks that happen around 11pm each night.
When it finally came time for me to run with the bulls, well lets just say that I sort of chickened out! However, I must say I was appalled to see people simply pounding over others who had tripped or fallen in front of them and opted to just be a spectator. I mean people have died in these runs you know. My friends and I stayed for the full seven days, which ended with everyone gathering at the City Hall and singing a song called "Pobre de Mi" or "Poor Me", indicating that the San Fermin Festival was over for another year.
Pamplona is a great place to walk around and soak up the music, the people, and the atmosphere. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona should be on your bucket list if you, like me, want to be part of something that is utterly uniquely Spanish and above all, enormous fun.
Of the many festivals in Spain, it is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona that pricks my interest the most. Apparently anyone over 18 can jump right in and take part. You just have to understand the few simple rules and abide by them.
I wasn't really sure before going to the Pamplona Running of the Bulls whether I would have the guts to actually run, but I thought I would look first and make my decision later. Nevertheless, it is something that I've always watched on TV and thought "This looks crazy!". Well once I made my mind up to go, I guess there was no going back, so when we booked the trip for the whole San Fermin festival between July 6 and July 14 I knew I would have to give it ago.
Almost every town and city across Spain holds a Bull Run festival each year. But there is only one world renowned Running of the Bulls and that occurs in Pamplona. I had a look at accommodation options during the San Fermin Festival and found that accommodation during this time can be really expensive. If you want to do things on a bit of a budget then I suggest you look at camping as there is quite a few tour operators that do Pamplona camping tours. The Pamplona tour companies plan everything for you, including transport, a place to sleep and quite often breakfast. A number of tour companies also have hotel tours and as I wasn't on a budget we booked into a hotel known as Gran Hotel La Perla. This hotel had a great location with a balcony that looked over the road where the running of the bulls occurred each morning.
The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a totally chaotic experience, some would say it is for the insane. I wanted to be insane just this once, envisioning the faces of friends and family back home when I relayed the events. One thing is for sure, my friend and I were intending to be part of the week long party and the ongoing flow of traditional sangria.
I know Im keeping you guessing on the bull run, but I have to tell you there is plenty to do in Pamplona during San Fermin other than the Bull Run. The parties start early and go long into the night. There are so many little bars we went to and ate some really tasty food at some cool local restaurants. Quite often though we would just go to a tapas bar and have some snacks. Tapas is perfect to keep you going during San Fermin's not stop party. The bars and restaurants open late, but remember, in Spain they have a siesta in the afternoon so Pamplona, even during San Fermin, is like a ghost town. There is still plenty happening throughout the day and night with parades and what not, as well as the fireworks that happen around 11pm each night.
When it finally came time for me to run with the bulls, well lets just say that I sort of chickened out! However, I must say I was appalled to see people simply pounding over others who had tripped or fallen in front of them and opted to just be a spectator. I mean people have died in these runs you know. My friends and I stayed for the full seven days, which ended with everyone gathering at the City Hall and singing a song called "Pobre de Mi" or "Poor Me", indicating that the San Fermin Festival was over for another year.
Pamplona is a great place to walk around and soak up the music, the people, and the atmosphere. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona should be on your bucket list if you, like me, want to be part of something that is utterly uniquely Spanish and above all, enormous fun.
About the Author:
For an extensive array of information and advice for the Pamplona Running of the Bulls, including travel options, travel tips, party spots and other activities you should contact the events and festival travel specialists, FOMO Travel.
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