The first bull run of San Fermín 2026 is starting: Excitement is at its peak in Pamplona

The city of Pamplona, located in Spain's Navarra region, has completed all its preparations for the world-famous San Fermín festival, which brings together millions of people every year. The first bull run (encierro), one of the most anticipated and traditionally most eventful days of this year's events, will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Local authorities have taken comprehensive security measures for this dangerous and adrenaline-filled run, which will take place in the narrow streets of the historic city center. Participants and spectators are getting ready to take their places in the historic squares for this unique experience, which will begin with the first light of morning.

The Pamplona City Council and security forces are conducting last-minute inspections to ensure that nothing goes wrong in the streets that will become crowded. The bull run will start at 08.00 in the morning and will be completed at great speed along with the participants running along an approximately 850-meter route. Details such as the special preparation of the street surfaces to prevent them from being slippery, and veterinarians checking the health of the bulls, are of great importance for the smooth progress of the event. In addition, safety brochures were distributed for those participating for the first time, reminding them of the strict rules that must be followed during the run.

With its deep-rooted history dating back to the 16th century, the San Fermín festival is a cultural heritage that attracts the interest of not only Spain but the entire world. Originally starting as a practice of driving cattle to the city to transport them to the marketplace, it has become a tradition over time and transformed into an international tourism phenomenon. The event gained massive worldwide fame after American writer Ernest Hemingway depicted this festival in his novel "The Sun Also Rises". Today, thousands of people pouring into the streets with their red scarves and white clothes enthusiastically celebrate these festivals, which have both religious and folkloric origins.

Although the bull run and the festivals are welcomed with great enthusiasm, the event is also closely followed every year by animal rights advocates at an international level. Activists organize protests, arguing that running the bulls through the streets and the subsequent bullfights subject the animals to unnecessary torture. Spanish officials, however, state that these traditional events are an inseparable part of the country's historical cultural fabric and are continued within the framework of specific rules. This situation brings the debate between the preservation of cultural heritage and modern animal rights understanding back to the agenda every year.

This first run, which will mark the first day of the 2026 San Fermín festival, will be broadcast to the whole world through live broadcasts and instant news bulletins. All eyes are turned to the historic streets of Pamplona for the event to pass successfully and without incident. Throughout the festival, local and foreign tourists visiting the city will follow not only the bull run, but also the daily festivities, street concerts, and colorful parades with great interest. Having become Spain's most iconic festival, it is preparing to leave behind one of the most vibrant and culturally richest days of the summer season this year as well.