The iconic Running of the Bulls festival, known as San Fermín, is back in Pamplona, Spain, with thousands of visitors flocking to the city for the festivities. The event, which draws inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s famous chronicles, features eight breakneck races, 2,500 runners daily, and 16 ambulances.
Despite sky-high prices ranging from €500 to €1,000 per night, occupancy rates are at an all-time high, with the Pamplona Hotel Association estimating an average occupancy rate of 83.4%. The city has also seen a significant increase in bookings, with many visitors eager to experience the thrill of San Fermín.
The festival’s traditional Chupinazo ceremony will kick off events on Sunday, marking the beginning of nine days of music, dancing, and drinking in the streets. This year’s event features a diverse range of activities, including exhibitions of Basque rural sports and parades of Gigantes y Cabezudos, papier-maché figures depicting giants and oversized heads.
However, with 200-300 injuries reported annually, safety is a top priority. The city has implemented strict rules to protect participants, including prohibited items such as backpacks or cameras, and the requirement not to touch or disturb the bulls during the runs.
For the first time in history, a woman will participate in a bullfight on Sunday’s event, marking a significant milestone for the festival. Other notable figures include French rejoneadora Lea Vicens and Peruvian bullfighter Roca Rey.
As thousands gather in Pamplona to experience the excitement of San Fermín, city officials are urging visitors to report any sexist attacks, echoing a high-profile case from 2016 that highlighted the need for zero tolerance for such incidents.
Source: https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-07-06/eight-breakneck-races-2500-runners-a-day-and-16-ambulances-pamplonas-running-of-the-bulls-is-back.html