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 Corrales de Santo Domingo Sit Inside a 16th-Century Bastion, Not a Simple Holding Pen
Garnacha Built Navarra’s Wine Industry. In 1986, the Region’s Own Scientists Recommended Cutting It in Half.
The Carnaval de Tolosa Wasn’t Banned Under Franco. It Was Renamed for 40 Years Instead.
Miguel Induráin Doesn’t Just Have a Statue in Navarra. On July 18, Amateurs Still Ride Roads With Him.
Kokotxas Are Not Hake Cheeks. The Basque Word Says Chin.
Navarra’s Own Tourism Board Calls Them Tapas in English. In Pamplona, Nobody Does.
Ujué Isn’t Just a Pretty Medieval Village. A Navarrese King Split His Own Body to Be Buried There.
Calle Estafeta Didn’t Get Its Name Until the 1700s. The Street Had Already Existed for 400 Years.
Calle Laurel Isn’t San Sebastián’s Pintxos Crawl Relocated to Rioja. Its Oldest Bar Exists Because of an 1878 Complaint.
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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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