Running of the bulls

There’s no better time to be in a foreign land than during the festivals because when a country comes out to celebrate, it lets you into the heart and mind of its culture. Every culture has its own…

Don't miss your chance to experience the San Fermines Festival and the Running of the Bulls. Here's how to get the best spot to see the event.

Images from some of the first runs this year in Pamplona, Spain

The highlight of the festival is the daily bull run, where participants run through the narrow streets of the town with a pack of bulls chasing them. The event lasts for just a few minutes but draws thousands of tourists from around the world. The festival also includes traditional events such as the opening ceremony, bullfights, fireworks, and music concerts. Despite its popularity, the event has been criticized for animal cruelty and safety concerns for both participants and bulls.

A participant runs in front of Fuente Ymbro fighting bulls at Curva Estafeta on the sixth day of the San Fermin Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.

Watching the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, in this National Geographic Your Shot Photo of the Day.

Controversial travel destination…I wasn’t even sure if I was going to post about it, but here we go➡️ When my husband told me he wanted to run with the bulls in Pamplona for his 50th birthday, my heart sank. How could I agree to this? The Running of the Bulls is steeped in controversy, and as a conscious traveler, I struggled with the decision. But this wasn’t just about the festival—it was about celebrating my husband’s incredible journey. After surviving two double lung transplants…

Several thousand thrill-seekers ran alongside six fighting bulls through the streets of the Spanish city of Pamplona on the first day of the running of the bulls.

When planning a trip to northern Spain in July, don't miss the annual San Fermin Festival and bull run in Pamplona from July 6 to 14 each year.