Running of the Bulls 2025 Bucket List: What to Do Before, During & After

 Every July, the city of Pamplona in northern Spain becomes a heartbeat of adrenaline and ancient tradition. The Running of the Bulls, or El Encierro, isn't just a race against wild beasts—it's a centuries-old celebration of heritage, honor, and the human spirit. For anyone bold enough to experience this iconic event in 2025, the key lies in planning meticulously, living the moment fully, and embracing the culture wholeheartedly.

This curated bucket list outlines everything you must do before, during, and after the festival. Whether you’re chasing bulls or chasing sangria-soaked memories, here’s how to do it like a seasoned San Fermín traveler.



✅ Before the Festival: Plan, Prepare & Pack

1. Book Your Spain Visa Appointment Early

For visitors traveling from outside the Schengen Area—especially those based in the UK post-Brexit—one of the most crucial steps is scheduling your Spain Visa Appointment. Without it, your dreams of white outfits and red scarves may never leave the tarmac.

To secure your Schengen visa, gather the following:

  • A valid passport (at least 3 months beyond return date)

  • Completed visa application form

  • Two recent passport-sized photographs

  • Proof of UK residence (if applicable)

  • Round-trip flight reservations

  • Accommodation details (hotel booking or invitation letter)

  • Travel insurance covering a minimum of €30,000

  • Latest bank statements or proof of financial means

  • A signed cover letter stating your intention to attend the San Fermín Festival

Due to high seasonal demand, schedule your Spain Visa Appointment at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel dates.

2. Reserve Accommodation in Advance

Pamplona’s hotels and hostels sell out fast—sometimes by February. From budget dorms to luxury apartments, availability dwindles quickly due to the influx of thousands of tourists.

Where to stay:

  • Casco Viejo (Old Town): Closest to the bull run and nightlife

  • Segundo Ensanche: Modern, quieter, still central

  • San Juan: A relaxed residential district with local charm

Book a minimum of 4 nights to truly immerse yourself in the San Fermín spirit.

3. Get a Balcony Spot or Bullring Ticket

Not running with the bulls? No problem. You can still enjoy the thrill from above. Many locals rent their balconies for an early morning view of the Encierro.

Balcony tips:

  • Spots on Calle Estafeta and Calle Santo Domingo are most popular

  • Prices range from €50 to €150 per person per day

  • Reserve weeks (or months) in advance

Alternatively, secure tickets to the Plaza de Toros (Pamplona’s bullring) to watch the run’s spectacular finale.

4. Dress the Part

Locals wear a distinctive outfit during the festival:

  • White shirt and trousers

  • Red scarf (pañuelo)

  • Red waistband (faja)

  • Closed-toe, grippy shoes (especially if running)

The scarf is only tied after the Chupinazo on July 6 and removed after the Pobre de Mí ceremony on July 14—this is more than fashion; it’s tradition.

🏃 During the Festival: Live the Madness

5. Experience the Chupinazo (July 6)

At 12:00 PM on July 6, the mayor of Pamplona launches a rocket from City Hall, marking the official start of the festival. It’s a spectacular moment filled with music, cheers, champagne sprays, and soaring red scarves.

Tip: Arrive at Plaza Consistorial early if you want to be close to the action—this space gets packed fast.

6. Run with the Bulls (July 7–14)

Every morning at 8:00 AM, six bulls are released into the city streets to run a designated 875-meter route. This is not for the faint-hearted, but it is a thrilling rite of passage for many.

Runner’s rules:

  • No drinking or drugs before the run

  • Be inside the barricades by 7:00 AM

  • Do not touch the bulls

  • If you fall, stay down and protect your head

  • Know the route and escape points (especially near Dead Man’s Corner)

Not ready to run? Enjoy the view from the sidelines or a rented balcony.

7. Explore Pamplona’s Culture

The festival isn’t just about the bulls. Pamplona comes alive with:

  • Gigantes y Cabezudos: Giant puppets parading through town

  • Daily parades and street music from local bands (peñas)

  • Tapas and pintxos bars offering rich Basque and Navarre cuisine

  • Religious processions honoring Saint Fermín

  • Evening bullfights at the Plaza de Toros (controversial, but traditional)

Every corner of the city has something to offer, from quiet chapels to all-night revelry.

8. Join the Fiesta by Night

San Fermín is a 24/7 celebration. When the bull runs end in the morning, the day continues with live music, processions, and street parties. By nightfall, Pamplona transforms into an open-air fiesta.

Best spots for nightlife:

  • Calle San Nicolás: Classic bars with traditional Navarran wine

  • Plaza del Castillo: Central square with cafés and performers

  • Casco Antiguo: Late-night pintxos and street dancing

Sleep becomes optional—but unforgettable memories are guaranteed.

🌅 After the Festival: Reflect & Recharge

9. Attend the Closing Ceremony (July 14)

The final night of San Fermín is marked by a solemn yet beautiful farewell—Pobre de Mí.

At midnight, crowds gather at Plaza Consistorial to sing a melancholic goodbye to the festival, candles in hand, scarves raised high.

It’s a powerful, emotional moment that contrasts the wild energy of the previous days. A symbolic gesture of both gratitude and closure.

10. Venture Beyond Pamplona

Don’t rush home right away. Extend your Spanish adventure by visiting nearby gems:

  • San Sebastián: Bask in beachside luxury and Michelin-starred cuisine

  • Bilbao: Explore the modern art of the Guggenheim Museum

  • Logroño: Sample some of the world’s best wine in La Rioja region

  • Zaragoza or Barcelona: Add culture, architecture, and contrast to your journey

And if you’re planning to return for next year’s festival? You already know the first step—book your Spain Visa Appointment early.

🎯 Final Thoughts

The Running of the Bulls 2025 is more than an event—it’s a pilgrimage for thrill-seekers, history lovers, and cultural explorers. Whether you're running ahead of the horns or simply soaking in the spectacle, San Fermín offers a kaleidoscope of emotions you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Start planning now. The bulls are coming. And so is the unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Just remember, it all begins with your Spain Visa Appointment.

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