The San Fermin Festival takes place from the 6th to the 14th of July every year in Pamplona and is home to the famous Pamplona Bull Run (The Encierro). The festival takes place at night when fireworks kick off the festivities which go on throughout the night. The fiestas see people gathering from all over the world to honor San Fermin, the patron saint of Navarra.
The Running of the Bulls originated from the need to get the bulls from outside the city into the bullring but is now just a huge spectacle that is at the heart of the San Fermin Festival festivities.
To run the Encierro requires cool nerves, quick reflexes and a high level of physical fitness. People do get hurt during the Encierro so it is not for the faint hearted! The Encierro starts at the corral in Calle Santo Domingo when the San Cernin church clock strikes 8 am. Two rockets are launched and then the bulls charge behind the runners for 903 yards to the bullring, taking about three or four minutes.
Watching the festival from rented balconies
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From a balcony you can feel the excitement of the runners.
Although Pamplona’s Bullring, is not a bad option to watch the Running of the Bulls, from there, you cannot experience the authenticity of this adrenaline pumping event. Since from the bullring, you will only watch the end of the route and usually the bulls enter the corral very fast.
Instead, watch the Encierro in the most exciting way from a rented balcony, although the race is very brief, it is a very intense experience.
In addition, long before the Encierro begins, you will feel the excitement and the nerves of the runners, you will see the important work that the police do to try to minimize the risks of the race, you will see the arrival of the shepherds, etc.
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It is the most comfortable way to watch the Encierro
Because while you are waiting, you have the possibility of having breakfast in the cozy host’s house, you do not need to be waiting on the street if it’s cold and you can access to your balcony as many times as you want to see what’s going on below you. Besides, you can use the toilet if you need it.
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It is the best option if you are traveling with children or elderly people
Many balconies have back entrances, So it will not be necessary to be on the crowded bulls route, before the El Encierro starts.
Besides, usually, you should arrive to the place where you are going to watch the Running of The Bulls, with much time in advance. For children, it can be difficult because it is too early and can they be tired.
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You can choose the section you want to see.
Most of the bulls route happen between buildings, watch El Encierro at Santo Domingo or Estafeta Street from the barrier is not easy. But if you decide to rent a balcony to watch the bull run, you can choose the section you want to see, and also the level of your balcony.
Watching the festival from the streets.
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Unable to afford the balcony fee
Some people prefer standing on the street to watch the bull festival because they can’t afford the balcony fees.