A Comprehensive Guide To San Fermín Festival 2025, Everything You Need To Know From Resorts, Routes To Special Events

Published on July 11, 2025

San Fermín Festival has a planned program which begins with the Chupinazo on the 6th of July at noon and concludes with the Pobre de Mí ceremony on the 14th of July at midnight. Between these, the daily running of the Encierro occurs at 8:00 AM, while the evening events are the bullfights. On the 7th of July, the Saint Fermín Procession occurs, offering visitors the opportunity to witness the religious aspect of the festival.

The Running Of The Bulls (Encierro)

It’s the festival’s best-known event, which occurs daily, from July 7 through 14, at 8:00 AM. “Mozos” participants dash in front of six steers and six bulls through a 825-meter stretch of narrow, cobblestone streets, finishing up at the bullring. A firecracker opens the event, and runners sing to San Fermín asking for protection. While thrilling, the event is hazardous, with several injuries occurring year after year.

Daily Celebrations And Cultural Events

The San Fermín Festival officially opens on 6th July at noon when the Chupinazo, a rocket shot from the balcony of the City Hall, begins the celebrations, which encompass a number of days of uninterrupted events and festivities.

Each morning at 9:30 AM, the Pamplona streets are filled with color as the Giants and Big-Heads Parade occurs. The festive occasion includes giant creatures and big-head figures dancing down the street, bringing a smile to the faces of people of all ages. It is a playful way to begin the day.

In the evening, the bullfighting occurs at the Plaza de Toros. Matadors fight the bulls which had run through the streets during the morning Encierro. Bullfighting is a centuries-long tradition and a core element of the festival’s culture.

Pamplona’s streets are filled with lively music, brass bands, and people doing folk dances. Peñas, which are local clubs, organize these street festivities with their spirited clothing and lively vibes. It’s a wonderful way to get a taste for the local culture, become a part of the party, and make new friends.

On July 7, the Saint Fermín Procession honors the city’s patron saint. This processional event features traditional dances and a religious mass at the Cathedral of Pamplona. It’s a moment to witness the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural traditions that are part of the San Fermín celebrations.

The festival concludes on the night of July 14 at midnight with the Pobre de Mí, a classic ritual wherein participants sing a farewell song and light candles. This touching event concludes the festivities, leaving memories of a night truly remembered.

Accommodation Options

Pamplona has a wide variety of accommodation options for the San Fermín Festival attendees. Hotel Tres Reyes is a five-star hotel featuring stylish rooms and a prime location close to the major festival events. Yet another expression of luxury, the Gran Hotel La Perla is an old hotel featuring luxurious facilities and a rich history, and these are ideal for attendees looking for luxury and sophistication.

If you are a traveler looking for a mid-range hotel, the Hotel Maisonnave has up-to-date rooms with convenient access to the city center. You can also try the Hotel Yoldi, which is near the bullring, convenient for festival attendees who want to stay near the events.

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly stays, Hostel Hemingway is a lively and popular choice, especially for younger travelers. Alternatively, Albergue Plaza Catedral provides basic amenities and a central location, perfect for those seeking simple and affordable lodging.

Travel Advice

Pamplona becomes incredibly crowded during the festival, and lodgings book up fast. We recommend reserving your accommodation a long time before the festival to have a spot inside the city center or a short distance away.

General festival attire is a white garment, a red scarf, and a red sash. Most attendees wear what’s listed above, contributing to the universality and festive nature of the event.

The Encierro can be dangerous, and it’s important to be physically prepared and aware of the risks before participating. Ensure you understand the safety guidelines and follow them to protect yourself and others.

It is warm in Pamplona during July, and you must drink plenty of water throughout the day. Take a break often when it’s in the shade, especially if you are going to try your hand at activities outside or the Encierro.

It’s a festival deeply rooted in the local culture. We need to immerse themselves in the local practices and take care to keep the traditions alive to enjoy the event thoroughly.

Flight Routes To Pamplona

Pamplona can be reached by air via the Pamplona Airport (PNA) that essentially receives domestic and select international flights. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) near Pamplona, which is 300 kilometers away, is the principal international entry point. From Madrid, you can directly take a train or bus to Pamplona. You have flights to Bilbao Airport (BIO) as well, another international entry point, which you can reach by bus or car to Pamplona.

Rail Routes To Pamplona

Pamplona is well connected by rail to other major Spanish cities, with Renfe, Spain’s national railway company, operating regular services. Pamplona’s main train station, Estación de Pamplona, is located close to the city center, providing convenient access to the San Fermín Festival. The AVE high-speed train line connects Madrid and Barcelona to Pamplona, making train travel an efficient and scenic option. Trains to Pamplona run frequently, particularly in the lead-up to and during the festival.

Cruise Routes To Pamplona

As Pamplona does not directly host a cruise terminal, visitors arriving via sea can disembark at Santander Port or Bilbao Port, which are both 150-kilometer drives away from Pamplona. You can then proceed by car or bus to Pamplona. They are the entry points for people arriving by sea, and both have links to major European cities as well as international cities. San Fermín Festival is a magnificent event that exudes thrill, culture, and tradition. As a thrill chaser trying to take part in the Encierro or a culture vulture seeking the religious and musical traditions, Pamplona has something to offer everyone. From the daily bullfights to the street parties, the San Fermín Festival is an event like no other, leaving memories that last a lifetime.