Bulls In Pamplona - Its Great Spain Festival

Pamplona has a long history, founded in the first century by the Romans as a camp on which to keep their eyes on the nearby Basque settlement of Iruna. Situated in the basin of the River Arga in the shadow of the Pyrenees, Pamplona is an eclectic mix of old and new. The town is the capital of the province of Navarre and renowned throughout the World for its Fiesta of San Fermin which features the annual 'running with the bulls' spectacular.

The Fiesta is famous for supplying two things in abundance: bulls and alcohol. However, it is very important that you never mix the two! Brought to the world's attention by Ernest Hemingway and latterly featured in the popular 1991 Hollywood film City Slickers; the highlight of the Fiesta of San Fermin is most definitely the Bull Run.

The Encierro, as it is known, takes place each morning at 8.00 a.m. from 7th to 14th July every year. Bulls that will be used in the bullfights later that evening are released into the street. There are no application forms or waiting lists for those who want to run with the Bulls in Pamplona; anyone can take part. Just pick your spot on the 830 metre course, approx half a mile in length, well in advance. Wooden fencing marks the course and on the dot of 8.00 a.m. each morning a rocket is released to alert everyone to the letting out of the bulls. Once all the bulls have been released a second rocket is set off. Then the fun begins.

Anyone who has ever attended an Encierro will put running with the bulls as one of the most exciting things they have ever done. If you decide to run with the bulls in Pamplona the most important thing to remember however is that, even if you are an Olympic sprinter, you cannot outrun them. The best bet is to be at least 50 metres ahead of the rampaging beasts and be ready to jump over the fence when you start to run out of breath and they get closer!

Getting accommodation in Pamplona around festival time can be challenging! Most people book up at least a year in advance, or opt to camp, sleep in their car or merely stay up all night making the most of the festivities!

Getting there is not a problem with regular low-cost flights available to Bilbao, 70 miles away or San Sebastian, within 40 miles. They are better options than flying directly to Pamplona as only Iberia actually flies there and the cost of those flights often outweighs the convenience of landing in the town.

Other than the Fiesta and the bull run there are two other sites of note in Pamplona; the Plaza del Castillo, and the 17th century fortress, the Ciudadela.

Whether you are going for the thrills of the Fiesta, to experience the sights and sounds of Pamplona or both, you won't be disappointed. This part of Spain offers man-made and natural beauty in equal amounts and extends all visitors a warm welcome.