Running of the Bulls Blog
Expert insights on the encierro route, bull behavior, San Fermín culture, and Pamplona strategy from active bull runners who run every morning of Fiesta.
Written by Runners
Every post authored by active encierro participants
Route & Strategy
Section-by-section breakdowns of the 875-meter course
Updated for 2027
Current bull ranch analysis and San Fermín preparation
The 1423 Privilegio de la Unión Wasn’t Pamplona’s First Peace Deal. It Was the Fifth.
Torrestrella Caused the Only American Death in Encierro History. It Hasn’t Run Pamplona Since 2014.
Vitoria-Gasteiz Is the Basque Capital, Not Bilbao. Here’s Why.
Txoko Culture Isn’t Only San Sebastián’s. Pamplona Has Run Its Own Since 1953, and the Oldest One Still Bars Women.
The Encierro Didn’t Start as a Sport. Its Original Job Ended in the 1800s.
Basque Folk Costume Isn’t One Costume. Navarra Alone Kept Three Alive.
The Real Reason You Can Walk Through Foz de Lumbier But Not Foz de Arbaiun
Pamplona Has Had Two Hotels Named Europa. Only One Still Stands.
Salchichón and Fuet Are Not Navarrese. They Are Catalan, and Rarely the Real Thing.
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Explore Our Running of the Bulls Coverage
Deep-dive articles written by the bull runners who run every morning of San Fermín.
Route & Strategy
Section-by-section breakdowns of the 875-meter encierro route from Santo Domingo to the Plaza de Toros.
The Encierro
Understanding bull behavior, the rocket system, herd dynamics, and what happens on the Pamplona bull run each morning.
History & Culture
The traditions, evolution, and cultural significance of San Fermín and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.
History of the Bulls
The ganaderías (bull ranches), cabestros, and the animals that define each morning of the encierro.
About Encierro
Who we are, why we exist, and what drives Pamplona’s most dedicated team of bull runners.
Runner Stories
First-hand accounts from the streets of Pamplona — what it’s like to run with the bulls during San Fermín.
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