Many people traveling to Pamplona think that there are bullfights the entire year, but in Pamplona they only occur during the Running of the Bulls. From 7 to July 14 you can attend traditional bullfights, but only on the July 6 can you enjoy the Rejones, a special bullfight where the bullfighter rides a horse. I can boast of having not missed a single Sanfermines my entire life, but it was only three years when I learned that traditionally bullfighters were on horseback and not on foot. On July 6, 2010 my father, who is a big aficionado of bullfighting, asked me if I would accompany him to the Rejones. I accepted and after seeing the first bull I understood … read more

There are few pleasures cheaper than eating a good Spanish omelette (Tortilla de Patatas). Tasting this staple within Spanish cuisine is a “must” when you visit Pamplona during the San Fermín festival. This delicacy is varied but is something that almost everyone loves. Actually, you can find tortilla de patatas in any bar in Spain. It is a simple and inexpensive dish, but has also captivated chefs worldwide, like Ferran Adriá, who has included it (his tortilla de patatas is more sophisticated and unconventional) among his exquisite dishes. Until recently, the first known document that referenced the tortilla de patatas was a letter dated from 1817, led to the Cortes de Navarra, in which it was says that the people … read more

The last day of the Sanfermines is a bittersweet day because of the many farewells and overall melancholy- However it’s alsoa happy day, because the mayor of Pamplona, tells us that there are only 365 days until the next Sanfermines! July 14 is a very special day for me, because throughout there are many events you can attend which can be emotional. For example, the farewell to the giants, and kilikis at Plaza Consistorial, where children and adults say goodbye to the big heads who made us run and the giants who have danced for us every morning to the beat of the bagpipes and txistus (typical instrument). In the afternoon we also sadly say goodbye to the Peñas in … read more

For me, the word “apartado” is synonymous with culture, tradition and exclusivity. The Apartado reminds me of my grandmother. She loved the bulls and wanted her grandchildren to enjoy this tradition as much as she did. Children under 13 years old are not permitted to enter the Bullring, meaning we couldn’t watch the bullfights. Instead, my grandmother took us to the Apartado, Encierro, Corrales and other bull events that take place in the Plaza de Toros during some mornings of the festival where children are allowed. The Apartado is an event that can be difficult to understand because of its speed (people talk very fast) but is also full of tradition and nuances. Every Pamplonica has been to the Apartado … read more

When someone asks me what my favorite event during the San Fermin Festival is, I find it hard to decide my response. There are so many things happening in only 9 days in the small city of Pamplona: the Encierro, the Procession, the Giants and Big Heads Parade, Bullfights, Pobre de Mi, Fireworks Contests, the Fair and more. I truly appreciate everything and each event has its audience. Before I started working at RunningoftheBulls.travel, I think my favorite events were the Encierro (Running of the Bulls) and the Procession. While these events are totally different from each other, both are full of tradition. I am fond of the Encierro because it has been a long-time tradition for me. My grandfather … read more

The cult of the bull is one of the fixed features of Spanish culture, even at the table. While uncommon in some parts of the world, dining on bull in Pamplona is easy. Don’t be fooled though, the bulls that are killed during the Bullfights are not the bulls that we eat in restaurants. Bulls used in restaurants have to be tracked and must pass many alimentary controls. Therefore, restaurants cannot access the animals used in the Bullfights. If you are daring enough, you can also try a strange yet typical meal: bull testicles (or criadillas). This delicacy is served each day at the Apartado using the testicles of the bulls that fought bravely against the matadors in the previous … read more

Welcome to my blog, La Pamplonica – giving you an insider’s look into Pamplona, Spain and the San Fermin Festival! As a native of Pamplona, my goal through this blog is to show you the best way to enjoy my city and provide you with ideas and tips so that you can take advantage of every opportunity during your visit to Pamplona, Spain. Though it is the most famous event of our fiesta, there is much more to the city and the San Fermin Festival than just the Running of the Bulls, or encierro. I am here to: Teach you how to experience the festivities like an authentic Pamplonica. Answer any questions you may have. Alleviate any doubts or fears … read more