San Fermín 2026 — Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Key Dates and Schedule
The San Fermín Festival takes place every year from July 6 to July 14 in Pamplona — and each day has its own programme.
July 6 — Opening Ceremony (Txupinazo)
At noon, a rocket is launched from the town hall balcony — the chupinazo — and Pamplona explodes. Thousands of people in red and white, sangria flying everywhere, screaming, music. At 18:30, the first bullfight of the festival takes place — a special version with a matador on horseback (rejoneo).
July 7 — The Day of San Fermín
The most important religious day of the festival. At 10:00, the solemn Procession of San Fermín begins — clergy, city officials in ceremonial dress, and dancing "Giants" — four-metre papier-mâché figures parade through the streets of Pamplona. And at 8:00 AM — the first bull run.
July 7–14 — Daily Programme
Every morning at 8:00 AM — the encierro (bull run). An 848-metre route from Santo Domingo street through Mercaderes and Estafeta to the Plaza de Toros bullring. Bullfights every day at 18:30. Fireworks every night at 23:00.
July 14 — Closing Ceremony (Pobre de mí)
At midnight in Plaza Consistorial, the closing ceremony takes place. People holding candles sing the final song of the festival — a moving moment after nine days of madness.

What to Wear
Red and white — no exceptions. White shirt, white trousers or shorts, red neckerchief and red sash. You can buy the full outfit at any supermarket for just a few euros.
This isn't just tradition — it's practical. At San Fermín, people pour wine and sangria over each other. If you come in your regular clothes, they will be destroyed — and nobody will take responsibility for it. You've been warned.

Food and Drinks
Pamplona during San Fermín is a gastronomic paradise in festival mode. The streets of the Old Town are packed with pintxos bars — the Basque version of tapas. One pintxo costs €2–4, and two or three bars is enough for a full meal on the go.
The main drinks of the festival are sangria and kalimotxo (red wine mixed with cola). Buy your drinks at the supermarket — the same drinks in a bar will cost three to four times more. Drinking in the streets and squares is permitted.
Must-do: visit Bar Iruña — the iconic bar where Hemingway used to drink. His statue stands right outside. Order a coffee or a glass of wine and feel yourself become part of history. This is a non-negotiable stop.

The Best Moments — and How Not to Miss Them
Opening Ceremony — July 6, TxupinazoTown hall square (Plaza Consistorial) at noon. One of those moments you remember for the rest of your life.Insider tip: arrive at the square no later than 9:00 AM — after that it becomes too crowded and you risk seeing nothing at all. Just get there early and enjoy the atmosphere of anticipation — it's worth it in itself.
If budget allows, you can buy access to a balcony overlooking the square. Prices are around €500 per person — book through specialist websites well in advance.

The Morning Bull Run — EncierroEvery day from July 7 to July 14, starting at 8:00 AM. Six fighting bulls and eight steers with bells run 848 metres in 2–3 minutes.The best spots to watch: Estafeta Street and Mercaderes Street. Arrive at least 2–3 hours before the start to get a front-row spot at the barriers — completely free.
If you want a guaranteed, comfortable view — rent a balcony spot along the route. From €170 per person. Book well in advance.

Bullfights — 18:30 Daily (July 7–14)Controversial but culturally significant. Personally, I'm not a fan of bullfighting — but it's part of the festival that many people want to experience.Getting tickets is not easy: most seats are booked by locals well in advance. Go through specialist agencies — without them, your chances are minimal. Ticket prices range from €40 to €450 depending on the seat.

Fireworks — Every Night at 23:00An absolute must — spectacular and completely free. The best viewing spot is the gardens near the bus station (Vuelta del Castillo). Arrive early, find a spot on the grass. Each night a different pyrotechnics company competes for the prize — the shows get better and better.

Want to Run With the Bulls?
If you love adrenaline — you can participate in the run yourself. It's free and no advance registration is needed.
How it works: arrive around 7:30 AM near the tourist office Oficina de Turismo Espacio SanfermIN. You sign a liability waiver and you're in.
The rules:
● Must be 18 or older — bring ID regardless of how old you look● Must be completely sober — police check● Proper sports footwear — no sandals or flip-flops● No cameras or phones during the run● Do not touch the bulls

Honest warning: around 200 people are injured during the bull run every year. This is not a show — it's genuinely dangerous. Make your decision consciously.

A Personal Note From Someone Who's Been HereSan Fermín is a festival for a group. Having experienced it personally, I'll say it plainly: come with friends or a large group. Together you'll be able to truly let loose — bar-hop, support each other during the run, share the rush of the fireworks. Alone, you'll find it lonely — this festival is built for collective joy.

What You Should Definitely NOT Do at San Fermín
1. Stay all 9 days
Two to three days is enough to experience everything. After the third day the festival starts to repeat itself — and exhaustion sets in.
2. Book accommodation in Pamplona
Prices go through the roof. A hostel bed in a 12-person dorm starts at €100 per night. A small apartment of questionable quality — from €200 per night. A decent hotel starts at €350 per night. A far better option: rent a car, stay in a nearby town and drive in each day. Parking on the outskirts is no problem. The savings are significant.
3. Come in your regular clothes
Buy the red and white outfit at the supermarket. You'll fit in — and your favourite clothes won't get drenched in sangria.

Don't Stop at Pamplona
San Fermín is a perfect reason to see more than just one city. Forty minutes away, the Basque Country begins — one of the most beautiful and delicious regions in Europe. Gaztelugatxe, San Sebastián, Rioja wine country — all right there.

Frequently Asked Questions
When is San Fermín 2026?
July 6–14, 2026 in Pamplona, Spain.
How many days should I spend at San Fermín?
2–3 days is the sweet spot. Enough to see the opening, the bull run and the fireworks without burning out.
Is the bull run free?
Yes — running and watching from the barriers is completely free. Paid options include balconies from €170 and bullfight tickets from €40.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
Absolutely — at least 6 months ahead if you want to stay in Pamplona. Best option: stay in a nearby town and drive in each day.
Can tourists participate in the bull run?
Yes, as long as you're 18+, sober and wearing proper footwear. But it's genuinely dangerous — around 200 people are injured every year.
Is San Fermín worth visiting alone?
Honestly — no. It's a festival for a group. Come with friends and you'll get the most out of it.