The San Fermin festival is one of the oldest and most traditional festivals in Spain. San Fermin was actually a martyred bishop of Pamplona and the festival started out as a low-key religious celebration, originally held in October. Over the years, more frivolity was added to the festival including circus animals, fireworks, drinking, and parties so the religious element took a back seat.
The San Fermin festival always included a bullfight. As time went on, the Running of the Bulls developed as the more daring amongst the Spanish decided to make the route the bulls were led, from where they were kept to the bullring, a little more interesting…and dangerous! These days, every July from the 6th to the 14th, Pamplona is thrown into chaos as six fighting bulls and two herds of bullocks are released into the streets behind some very nervous runners uttering prayers to San Fermin.
Hugely popular across the world, this 3 minute daily race draws massive crowds so accommodation books up months in advance. For a touch of crazy Spanish tradition and adrenaline charged parties, the Pamplona Running of the Bulls has to be on the shortlist for top town and city breaks.