If there is one country that I really love spending time in then it has got to be Spain. This country, on the south western party of Europe, was the second most visited country in the world a few years back, so I know I am not alone for my love of the country. Spain has got everything I want in a vacation destination, a warm climate, beaches, entertainment hot spots, nightlife and exciting festivals.
Of the many festivals in Spain, it is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona that pricks my interest the most. Apparently anyone over 18 can jump right in and take part. You just have to understand the few simple rules and abide by them.
I love risk and a challenge and the thought of running in front of snorting, angry and frenzied bulls that have been let loose on a sectioned-off course spelled excitement and daring. It is something that I've always watched on TV with deep fascination. This year I made sure that I had booked my turn for the Pamplona Running of the Bulls and July 6 to July 14 had been firmly circled on my calendar for me to get to the renowned San Fermin Festival.
Almost every town and city across Spain holds a Bull Run festival each year. But there is only one world renowned Running of the Bulls and that occurs in Pamplona. I had a look at accommodation options during the San Fermin Festival and found that accommodation during this time can be really expensive. If you want to do things on a bit of a budget then I suggest you look at camping as there is quite a few tour operators that do Pamplona camping tours. The Pamplona tour companies plan everything for you, including transport, a place to sleep and quite often breakfast. A number of tour companies also have hotel tours and as I wasn't on a budget we booked into a hotel known as Gran Hotel La Perla. This hotel had a great location with a balcony that looked over the road where the running of the bulls occurred each morning.
The first time I watched the Pamplona Bull Run from my balcony I was totally blown away. Like I am thinking? "Are you insane?". I had thoughts about whether or not I wanted to actually go through with it and run with the bulls the next morning. I agonised all day. One of the my friends said "Do it!". The other one said "What are you, Stupid or something?" So....did I???
I will keep you guessing on that question as there is plenty to do in Pamplona during San Fermin other than run with the bulls. The whole town seemed to be in just one long party mood and it started early in the day and lasted well into the night. There are heaps of bars in Pamplona that are pumping during San Fermin. I really enjoyed going to tapas bars in the afternoon for a few snacks. Tapas is the perfect way to keep you going during San Fermin in between countless amounts of Sangria! The bars and restaurants open late in Spain, but I guess you also have to realise that everyone has a siesta after lunch, so a lot of Pamplona will be closed down in the afternoon. Day and night there was parades going on. Oh, make sure you catch the fireworks one night too. They are on around 11pm every night.
The answer I have to give when people ask me "So, did you actually run?" Is a blunt "Nope"! To be truthful I was horrified that people in the running of the bulls would simply just run over the top of people who had fallen in front of them and that really got me a scared. OK, yes I'm a chicken, but you should see the casualty report on TV when they do the run, some people were getting seriously hurt and not just from the hits from the bull! Just because I didn't run with the bulls doesn't mean I didn't have a fantastic time in Pamplona for San Fermin, as we still stayed the full seven days and enjoyed other parts of the festival immensely.
Pamplona is a great place to walk around and soak up the music, the people, and the atmosphere. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona should be on your bucket list if you, like me, want to be part of something that is utterly uniquely Spanish and above all, enormous fun.
Of the many festivals in Spain, it is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona that pricks my interest the most. Apparently anyone over 18 can jump right in and take part. You just have to understand the few simple rules and abide by them.
I love risk and a challenge and the thought of running in front of snorting, angry and frenzied bulls that have been let loose on a sectioned-off course spelled excitement and daring. It is something that I've always watched on TV with deep fascination. This year I made sure that I had booked my turn for the Pamplona Running of the Bulls and July 6 to July 14 had been firmly circled on my calendar for me to get to the renowned San Fermin Festival.
Almost every town and city across Spain holds a Bull Run festival each year. But there is only one world renowned Running of the Bulls and that occurs in Pamplona. I had a look at accommodation options during the San Fermin Festival and found that accommodation during this time can be really expensive. If you want to do things on a bit of a budget then I suggest you look at camping as there is quite a few tour operators that do Pamplona camping tours. The Pamplona tour companies plan everything for you, including transport, a place to sleep and quite often breakfast. A number of tour companies also have hotel tours and as I wasn't on a budget we booked into a hotel known as Gran Hotel La Perla. This hotel had a great location with a balcony that looked over the road where the running of the bulls occurred each morning.
The first time I watched the Pamplona Bull Run from my balcony I was totally blown away. Like I am thinking? "Are you insane?". I had thoughts about whether or not I wanted to actually go through with it and run with the bulls the next morning. I agonised all day. One of the my friends said "Do it!". The other one said "What are you, Stupid or something?" So....did I???
I will keep you guessing on that question as there is plenty to do in Pamplona during San Fermin other than run with the bulls. The whole town seemed to be in just one long party mood and it started early in the day and lasted well into the night. There are heaps of bars in Pamplona that are pumping during San Fermin. I really enjoyed going to tapas bars in the afternoon for a few snacks. Tapas is the perfect way to keep you going during San Fermin in between countless amounts of Sangria! The bars and restaurants open late in Spain, but I guess you also have to realise that everyone has a siesta after lunch, so a lot of Pamplona will be closed down in the afternoon. Day and night there was parades going on. Oh, make sure you catch the fireworks one night too. They are on around 11pm every night.
The answer I have to give when people ask me "So, did you actually run?" Is a blunt "Nope"! To be truthful I was horrified that people in the running of the bulls would simply just run over the top of people who had fallen in front of them and that really got me a scared. OK, yes I'm a chicken, but you should see the casualty report on TV when they do the run, some people were getting seriously hurt and not just from the hits from the bull! Just because I didn't run with the bulls doesn't mean I didn't have a fantastic time in Pamplona for San Fermin, as we still stayed the full seven days and enjoyed other parts of the festival immensely.
Pamplona is a great place to walk around and soak up the music, the people, and the atmosphere. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona should be on your bucket list if you, like me, want to be part of something that is utterly uniquely Spanish and above all, enormous fun.
About the Author:
For an extensive array of information and advice for the Pamplona Running of the Bulls, including travel options, travel tips, party spots and other activities you should contact the events and festival travel specialists, FOMO Travel.
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