Author Archives: wpengine
Interview With Iñaki Gonzalez, Experienced Runner
Iñaki Gonzalez began attending the running of the bulls 27 years ago. In this interview he shares his significant experience for those that are interested in participating by running or by watching this dangerous and traditional event that takes place every year in Pamplona from July 7 to July 14. Since you are an experienced runner, we would like to hear more about your background so our customers will learn about the run and how the locals experience the running of the bulls. Could you explain us when and why did you decided to run the bulls? Although I began running when I was 18, I had wanted to run since my mother took me to watch the run when … read more
Beware!
In addition to the Bulls, as at any crowded and large public party like the Festival of San Fermín, there are other hazards that you must be conscious of while enjoying your time in Pamplona. Here is a list of things to keep in mind: Pickpockets Pickpockets in Pamplona see visitors an “easy prey.” Although these thieves usually do not resort to violence, they will seek out unsuspecting or naive tourists in crowded areas. I recommend that you don’t carry large amounts of money, and if you carry cash, always keep it in a small closed bag under your clothes. When you go through a crowd be alert so no one can take anything from your pocket. Do not wear … read more
Interview With a Pastor of the Running of the Bulls
The “pastores”, are one of the most important figure of the running of the bulls, without which there would be the proper functioning thereof, are located behind the bulls with their rod, to try to keep the bulls herd compact, and to draw the attention of those annoying, quote or touch the animals. Miguel Reta, one of the best-known pastores of Pamplona, going to tell us his vision of the encierro during San Fermín Festival, and will help us understand the importance of their work. Just left 116 days to reach the festival of San Fermin and I’d like people who are not of Pamplona, understand because there are men dressed in green and with a stick in his hand … read more
The Running of the Bulls in Figures
Some people think that the bulls run many times during the day, some others think that just on July 7th take place the running of the bulls… I think that before you come to Pamplona to enjoy the San fermín Festival, you have to know this interesting information that I found at the Web of the Council of Pamplona. Time: 8 am Dates: From 7th to the 14th of July Route: 848.6 metres. Santo Domingo, Plaza Consistorial, Mercaderes, Estafeta and the Bullring. Average duration: 3 minutes and 55 seconds Speed of bulls: 24 km/h The longest Bull Run: 30 minutes (11th of July 1959). A Miura bull dropped behind the herd and it was necessary to use a dog to … read more
What Should I Wear to Attend to the Running of the Bulls?
I admit, I’m a mess when it comes to planning Sanfermin clothes. Year after year it is the same song … July 5th comes and I don’t have the clothes ready for the Festival…. As always, I have to run, and visit to the stores where I can find cheap white pants and T-shirts, but that’s when I live in Pamplona. A few years I have luckily been able to reuse some pants, but last year this was not the case and I ended up buying 5 new pairs of pants and a few shirts for the entire festival (9 days toal). If you don’t live in Pamplona, it is even more difficult, so here’s what I recommend… go to … read more
How To Get To Pamplona
Pamplona is the capital of Navarra, a city with a population of 197,932 and has become known worldwide her Festival, The Sanfermines! This year, at PamplonaBalconies.com, we have a private service for transfers that transport you from anywhere in Spain to Pamplona. Our private transfer services is a quick and convenient way to reach the city rested for maximum enjoyment! Whether you prefer to arrive via plane, train or bus, here are some tips that will help you organize your trip. By Plane Pamplona/Noain Airport Address: Ctra. Pamplona – Zaragoza, km. 5 Online reservations: Rumbo or Iberia As it is not a large city, Pamplona does not have a big airport. Consequentially, it can be expensive and complicated to fly … read more
To Run or to Watch…
Personally … I will always recommend that you watch! I have attended the San Fermin festival for 28 years and have not yet run. I don’t miss out on the fun by not running, that I would not enjoy it or that I’m a coward. Running with the Bulls is an dangerous adventure, and you should be excited but understand that you will be running with 6 large animals very nearby. If you are not 100% sure what you do … do not run! If you have doubts, I advise that first you watch the run from a balony, the Plaza de Toros or from the sidelines, and then decide if you want to run the next day. The three … read more
Ready to run with the bulls?
If you are reading this you are probably planning to run with the bulls…..and if you want to run you may know that running with the bulls is dangerous. It requires some physical preparation, common sense and the desire for a once in a lifetime experience. Please enjoy a few tips so you have all the fun and less of the stress for a truly unique experience: Select in advance the section in which you run Many people think that running of the bulls means you run from Corralillo Santo Domingo in a straight line to the bullring … and this is far from reality. One of the most important keys to success is to understand and prepare for the … read more
Yummy Yummy!
One thing Spain is known for is its incredible food. Spain has several common local dishes, and each area in the country has its own specialties. Navarra, offers some of the best food in the country!! Our food is known for fresh and quality products. Fresh products cooked with love and shared with great company, make our food unforgettable. When I was a child, I remember helping my grandmother Manoli, prepare a special meal for San Fermín Day (July 7). Each year on that day, our family, celebrate the holiday with a special family meal. Like most other people, as a child I knew my grandmother was the best cook in the world. I was her little sous chef … read more
Let’s dance in Pamplona!!
Have you tasted a Kalimotxo? The Kalimotxo is a characteristic drink of the area, a mixed drink made with red wine and coke. Yes. Red wine & coke. It may sound foreign and some hate it, others love it, but you can’t come to Pamplona and not give it a try…. During San Fermín Festival, the bars are open 24 hours a day, and you could try this drink at any of them at any time of the day. Below I’ve provided detail about some of my favourite bars. During San Fermin, many of the restaurants remove their tables and transform their space into a bar to meet the demand during the festival. Current and traditional SanFermin songs are played … read more