Some events are just legendary among locals and travellers. And one such event is the Running of the Bulls 2026. This iconic Spanish summer festival turns the small city of Pamplona into an electrifying place on the planet! Millions of visitors come to witness the bull run and experience the non-stop celebration, music, gastronomy, and tradition.
Combining thrill, unparalleled social scene, music, and culture, the San Fermín Festival has made it to the bucket list of many UK travellers! And if you wish to experience this unforgettable moment in Spain, apply for a Spain visa from London and see Running of the Bulls from the inside!
Whether you’re planning to visit Pamplona for the first time, or a returning veteran of the San Fermín Festival, this guide covers everything you need to know- from the route to the dates, the schedule and Spanish visa details.
The San Fermín Festival 2026 is a week-long celebration held in Pamplona, Spain. Locally known as Sanfermines in Spanish, the festival runs from July 6 to July 14. And the main highlight of the festival- Running of the Bulls 2026!
The festival honors Saint Fermín, the first bishop of the city, who was martyred in the 3rd century. On 6th July, the festival begins with Chupinazo, a rocket fired from the City Hall, and concludes with the singing of Pobre de mi at midnight on July 14.
Some of the main events of the San Fermín Festival 2026 are:
Though the festival has religious roots, it is also a celebration emphasizing community, shared experiences, music, and dance!
Running of the Bulls 2026, or the encierro, is one of the most recognized images of San Fermín globally, and all for good reasons! If you ever wondered, “How is running of the bulls celebrated in Pamplona?” the answer is here.
Each morning from July 7 to July 14, at 8:00 AM, you’ll see six steers and six fighting bulls charge throughout the 849 meters of streets of old town Pamplona to reach the bullring.
The run lasts for 2 hours and 4 minutes. During this time, hundreds of runners sprint ahead of the bulls. It’s part ancient tradition, part adrenaline rush, and part communal ritual!
You’ll be surprised to know that the route has not changed in centuries!
Yes, and many people do it! You can choose from the following options to watch the run afar and still experience the thrill and adrenaline.
Tip: First-timers should watch the run before participating in the event. Understand the route, bull behaviour, and pace. You’ll have another morning to run!
The San Fermín Festival is all set to take place from 6 July to 14 July, with each day having its own programme!
Focusing on the Running of the Bulls 2026 during the San Fermín Festival is just like coming to Paris and only visiting the airport! The entire festival is extraordinarily rich! Check out our list so you don’t miss out on anything:
After the first Running of the Bulls, you’ll find a solemn procession honouring the patron Saint Fermín. For many Pamploneses, this parade is the most important event of the entire festival!
Don’t miss the Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos parade every morning at 9:30 AM. The giants- over 4 metres tall, represent kings and queens, and are must-watch! The Kilikis (big heads) chase kids with padded clubs. Don’t be terrified, it’s a fun tradition loved by many children!
You’ll find live music everywhere! From dawn to midnight, and the main stages to look for are: Plaza del Castillo, Plaza de los Fueros, Plaza de la Compañía, and Paseo de Sarasate.
From 7 July to 14 July, each afternoon, bullfights are organized in Pamplona’s Plaza de Toros- Spain’s largest bullring to hold 19,000 spectators!
On the night of July 14th at midnight, the Running of the Bulls 2026 ends. At the Town Hall Square, thousands gather with lighted candles. They sing ‘Pobre de Mí’ (Poor Me)- a sentimental farewell where people untie their red scarves and count down the following year! If you are in San Fermín for just one moment, make sure it is the farewell!
So, you thought, “Is Sanfermin worth it?” Well, now you have the answer!
Excited? Book your Online Spain Visa Appointment from UK with SCHENGEN COUNTRIES and join the San Fermín Festival!
If you’re looking for a great excuse to eat well, then this festival is the chance! It’s a full gastronomic paradise for foodies and enthusiasts. Below are some of our unmissable culinary experiences you must have:
And as for the drinks, the mains of the festival are kalimtxo (red wine mixed with cola) and sangria. Get your drinks from the supermarket as bars can charge two or three times more!
As the old town of Pamplona transforms into a sea of white and red, you need essential tips to fully experience the world’s most legendary fiestas! Whether you’re just watching the run from balconies or running with the bulls, here are practical tips to enjoy the fest safely and authentically:
Here is an honest tip nobody will tell you: rest is everything! If you want to witness Running of the Bulls 2026 at 8:00 AM, do pintxos at noon, watch a bullfight at 6:30 PM, and attend the concerts at midnight, you need to sleep!
But the festival runs 24 hours, so sleeping in the old town is impossible. So book hotels and properties on the outskirts of the old town of Pamplona. These properties are affordable accommodation in Pamplona during San Fermín Festival, making your stay comfortable.
Remember to book your accommodation at least 6 months in advance for the best rates! You can also choose to stay at the organized campsite outside the city centres. This is an experience in itself. Take the shuttle buses to travel between the town and the festival location!
And don’t forget your visa! Secure your Spain Visa From UK with us and plan your trip smoothly!
Spain is a part of the Schengen area, which may require UK travellers to get a visa to attend the Running of the Bulls 2026.
But you need not worry! SCHENGEN COUNTRIES professionals are here to help you to get your Spain Schengen visa from London. Just follow the steps below:
| Client testimonial Our client, James Thomas, needed a Spain Schengen visa to attend the Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain. But, he couldn’t find any available slots for Spain visa appointment! He panicked as the flights were already booked, and he would miss the festival if his visa was not approved. That’s when he reach our experts. Our team helped him to get a visa appointment in 3 days. We also helped him prepare his documents properly. And in 13 days, he got his visa! Let’s hear from James, what he said about our professionals- “I was desperately trying to get visa appointment slot but couldn’t find any. But SCHENGEN COUNTRIES helped me to get a slot in 3 days. The professionals also helped me with my documents and I got my visa in just 13 days! I had a stress-free experience at Las Fallas. Thanks for saving my trip.” |
The San Fermín Festival isn’t just about the Running of the Bulls 2026, it’s a 9-day celebration of community, tradition, and pure adrenaline! This festival transforms the small old town of Pamplona into an electric field!
And whether you’re a first-time visitor or not, you don’t have to run to experience the madness. Watching the run will also let you absorb the raw emotions of runners!
So, are you ready to experience this unforgettable energy? Reach SCHENGEN COUNTRIES and get your Spain Tourist Visa from UK!
The San Fermín Festival is an event held at Pamplona every year from July 6 to July 14. It honours Saint Fermín, the city’s first bishop and patron saint. It is famous for running of the bulls.
The Running of the Bulls is an event at the San Fermín Festival where six bulls charge through the streets of Pamplona with thousands of runners running ahead of the bulls.
If you are a legal UK resident with an eVisa or a share code, you may need a valid Schengen visa to visit Spain.
Yes, having travel medical insurance is mandatory to get your visa approved. You need to submit proof of medical coverage with your visa application; otherwise, your application may be rejected.
