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
How Two Basque Shepherds Are the Only Reason the Alboka Still Exists
Solán de Cabras Isn’t From Madrid. It’s Named After Sick Goats in Cuenca.
Anchoas del Cantábrico Is Not a Protected Name. Here Is What Actually Separates It From a Boquerón.
San Sebastián’s Semana Grande Isn’t Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia. The Name Is the Only Thing They Share.
Hemingway Wasn’t San Fermín’s Only Star. Pamplona’s Own Archive Names Dozens More.
Pamplona’s Six City Gates Look Medieval. None of Them Are.
Pamplona’s Gigantes Have Names, and Carrying Them Is a Job Passed Through Families
Encierro Txiki Isn’t One Event. Pamplona Actually Runs Two, on Different Streets.
Cervecería La Mejillonera Isn’t a Pamplona Original. It’s One of Six.
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