San Fermin

The San Fermin festival, often called Sanfermines, takes place in the city of Pamplona in northern Spain. The 2026 edition is scheduled from July 6 to July 14, beginning with the Chupinazo opening rocket at noon. The festival gained widespread international recognition following the 1926 publication of Ernest Hemingway’s novel "The Sun Also Rises," making the 2026 event particularly notable as the centenary of the book's release.

The most famous activity is the "encierro," or running of the bulls, which occurs every morning at 8:00 AM between July 7 and July 14. During these runs, participants race ahead of six fighting bulls along an 875-meter course through the old town to the city's bullring. While the event attracts thousands of thrill-seekers globally, it is characterized by significant physical risk and is frequently subject to debate regarding participant safety and animal welfare.

Beyond the bull runs, the city's population increases dramatically as visitors participate in non-stop street celebrations. These include live concerts, traditional parades, and communal dining. Participants typically wear the iconic uniform of white clothes with red handkerchiefs (pañuelos) and sashes. The festival concludes at midnight on July 14 with the singing of "Pobre de Mí," signaling the end of the festivities.