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 Red Pañuelo Is Not a Relic of the Saint’s Blood. Pamplona’s Press Archives Date It to 1930.
Osborne Rejected the Bull. Spain Ordered It Torn Down. The Toro de Osborne Outlived Them Both.
There Is No Bull in Pamplona’s Toro de Fuego. That Is the Whole Point.
Bardenas Reales Is Not a Desert. It Is Communal Land 22 Towns Have Shared Since the Year 882
Bacalao al Pil Pil: The Basque Cod Dish Pamplona Never Claimed
Queso de Burgos Wasn’t Legally Protected Until September 2025
Pamplona’s Patron Saint Isn’t San Fermín. His Church Still Marks the Encierro’s Start.
Navarra’s Trufa Negra Boom Didn’t Start in 1969. Locals Ignored the Truffle Under Their Own Oaks for Decades.
Alcurrucén Is Still Called a Pamplona “Regular.” It Hasn’t Run There Since 2013.
Get Bull Running Insights Delivered
Join the mailing list for encierro strategy, San Fermín updates, and expert analysis from Pamplona’s most experienced bull runners.
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.
Ready to Experience It Yourself?
Book a runner-led tour of the Running of the Bulls route in Pamplona with the experts who write these articles.
View Tour Packages