The rocket system is one of the most fundamental yet most misunderstood aspects of the encierro. New runners often arrive with outdated information about the number of rockets or what each one signifies. The system has changed over time, and many online sources describe the old four-rocket system when the current system uses only three rockets. Each rocket fired during the encierro conveys specific, critical information about the status of the bulls and the progression of the run. Understanding what each rocket means helps runners and spectators know where the bulls are in the course and what they should expect in the next few minutes. This knowledge is not abstract; it is practical and directly relevant to making smart decisions on the morning of San Fermin.
The Evolution of the Rocket System
According to Mat Dowsett in “Encierro!” (2003), the rocket system evolved over decades as the encierro became more formalized. Dowsett documents that the original warning systems used horns and calls. In 1892, the first warning rocket was introduced to alert people that the bulls were about to be released. Over time, the system evolved. Dowsett’s book describes a four-rocket system that was in place when the book was published in 2003.
However, the rocket system has been refined further. Dennis explains the current system:
“Now there are only three rockets. The first says the door of the corral is opening. The second says all the bulls have left the corral. And the third is that all the bulls have been corralled at the end of the run, and the run is over.”
Dennis Clancey, Founder of Encierro and member of La Única Peña
This is critical information for anyone reading about the encierro. Many blog posts and guides describe four rockets. Those sources are referencing the system that was in place previously. The current system uses three rockets, and understanding the correct system is essential for runners and spectators.
The First Rocket: The Corral Door Opens
The first rocket is fired at precisely 8:00 am from the bell tower of the Iglesia de San Saturnino, the church adjacent to the Corrales del Santo Domingo. According to Mat Dowsett in “Encierro!” (2003), the church bells ring at 8:00 am, and the rocket follows shortly after. The first rocket signals that the bar on the corral gate is being pulled back and the bulls are being released.
“If you’re near San Saturnino, the Iglesia de San Saturnino, you’ll hear the church bells go at eight, and you’ll hear that rocket shortly after.”
Dennis Clancey, Founder of Encierro and member of La Única Peña
The gap between the church bells and the first rocket is typically just seconds. For runners standing on Santo Domingo waiting for the bulls, the sound of that first rocket is an unmistakable signal that the corral has opened and the bulls are now moving toward them. This is the moment when the waiting ends and the encierro begins in earnest.
The Second Rocket: All Bulls Have Left the Corral
The second rocket fires roughly 10 to 20 seconds after the first rocket, depending on how quickly the bulls move from the corral into the street and onto the route. The second rocket indicates that all six bulls have exited the corral and are now on the street moving up Santo Domingo. This rocket is particularly important for runners positioned lower on the course (Santo Domingo and Mercaderes) because it confirms that the entire herd is in motion.
According to Mat Dowsett in “Encierro!” (2003), the gap between the first and second rockets can vary depending on the behavior of the bulls. If the herd moves decisively out of the corral, the gap is short. If individual bulls hesitate or the herd moves more slowly, the gap lengthens. An unusually long gap between the first and second rockets can signal that something is amiss with the herd: perhaps a bull is separated, or perhaps the herd is more dispersed than usual. This can alter expectations about what the run will look like as it progresses.
The Third Rocket: All Bulls Corralled, Run Is Over
The third rocket fires when all six bulls have been safely into the pens at the bullring. According to Dennis, this rocket signals the end of the encierro as a whole, but it is critical to understand what this means for individual runners:
“Your run is not over until you’re off the run route. Don’t worry about that third rocket.”
Dennis Clancey, Founder of Encierro and member of La Única Peña
This is one of the most important pieces of practical advice for runners on the course. The third rocket indicates that the bulls are no longer moving through the streets. But runners who are still on the route or who are still moving through the final sections of the encierro should not interpret the third rocket as permission to stop paying attention. Safety remains critical until every runner is off the route and in a secure location. The authorities can also fire a final rocket to signal that the streets are now clear of bulls and safe for people to leave the route and exit the barriers.
Critical Advice: Distinguishing Rockets from Other Loud Sounds
One practical challenge runners face on the morning of the encierro is distinguishing the official rockets from other loud sounds in the town. Dennis warns:
“There are times where you’ll hear people set off very loud fireworks or bang sounds in the town that can be confused for a rocket.”
Dennis Clancey, Founder of Encierro and member of La Única Peña
During San Fermin, fireworks and celebrations are continuous. In the early morning, people may set off noise-makers or fireworks in the streets or plazas. For a runner unfamiliar with the sound signature of the official encierro rockets, these sounds can create confusion about whether the bulls have been released. The official rockets have a specific, distinctive sound, and experience helps runners recognize them. For first-time runners, the best approach is to rely on the behavior of other runners around you and the movement of the herd, rather than trying to interpret every loud sound as a potential rocket.
What the Rockets Reveal About the Run
According to Mat Dowsett in “Encierro!” (2003), experienced runners and spectators listen closely to the rockets and the gaps between them as indicators of how the run is progressing. A quick succession of rockets indicates that everything is moving smoothly and the herd is behaving as expected. Unusually long gaps can indicate complications or separated bulls.
One of the stories Dennis shared illustrates the rarity of certain events in the modern encierro:
“There was one particular case where a bull ran up about to where it meets the red line where the people are. And the bull turned around, just went back in the corral and stayed there.”
Dennis Clancey, Founder of Encierro and member of La Única Peña
This story highlights how unusual it is for a bull to turn back toward the corral once it is released. The herd is highly motivated to move forward through the street, and the pastores manage them to ensure this. But on rare occasions, unpredictable events occur. The rockets help communicate the status of the herd to everyone on and around the route.
The Rockets as Psychological Anchor
For runners preparing mentally before the encierro, understanding what the rockets mean helps create a timeline and mental framework for the event. Knowing that the first rocket signals the corral opening allows a runner to mentally prepare for the next steps. Knowing that the second rocket confirms all bulls are in motion helps establish a timeline for how long the herd will take to reach different sections of the route. Knowing that the third rocket indicates the run’s end helps runners understand that their responsibility remains until they are off the route.
This knowledge, combined with the visualization and preparation that Dennis emphasizes, helps runners transform the encierro from an abstract and chaotic event into something with a comprehensible structure. The rockets are confirmation of the timeline, helping runners visualize and execute their plan.
Vocabulario: Spanish Terms Related to Rockets and Timeline
Cohete (coh-HEH-teh): A rocket. The term applies to the pyrotechnic signals fired during the encierro.
Encierrillo (en-see-ehr-REE-yoh): The night-before movement of bulls, separate from the rockets of the actual morning encierro.
Pastor (pahs-TOR): A herder who manages the bulls through the route.
Iglesia de San Saturnino (ee-GLEH-see-ah): The church adjacent to the corrals where the bells ring at 8:00 am, moments before the first rocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rockets are fired during the encierro?
Currently, three rockets are fired. The first rocket signals the corral door opening (8:00 am). The second rocket, 10-20 seconds later, signals that all bulls have left the corral. The third rocket signals that all bulls have been safely corralled at the bullring and the run is over. Note that many older sources describe a four-rocket system that is no longer in use.
What does the second rocket mean?
The second rocket, fired 10-20 seconds after the first, indicates that all six bulls have exited the corral and are moving up Santo Domingo. For runners waiting on the course, the second rocket confirms that the entire herd is in motion toward them.
Does the third rocket mean I should stop running?
No. The third rocket indicates that the bulls have been corralled at the bullring, but you must remain aware and continue moving if you are still on the route. Your responsibility as a runner continues until you are safely off the run route and away from the barriers. Do not assume the course is safe simply because the third rocket has fired.
What if I’m not sure I heard the first rocket?
Look at the runners around you. When the bulls are released, the entire crowd of runners will begin to move toward the starting point or along the route with anticipation. You can also watch for the movement of police and the general shift in the atmosphere. If in doubt, stay with the flow of the crowd and maintain awareness of your position.
Master the Timeline of the Encierro
The rocket system is one tool for understanding the timeline of the encierro, but it is only one piece. Our preparation sessions walk you through the complete timeline, explaining what the rockets mean and how they fit into the overall structure of the morning. Learn the route geography or book a tour with Encierro and understand the encierro from the moment the church bells ring at 8:00 am.