When does the San Fermín Fiesta take place?

The San Fermin Festival is celebrated in Pamplona from the 6th to the 14th of July every year. On the 6th the fiesta opens with the Txupinazo, or Opening Ceremony. A rocket is set off from the balcony of the Town Hall at noon to announce the start of the Festival. From this point on it's non-stop action until midnight of the 14th when the Pobre de Mí candlelight vigil marks the commencement of the festival.

Can I buy an extra day on the VIP Balcony?

Absolutely, but book sooner rather than later as spaces fill up quickly and we cap the amount of people each morning so that everyone has a good view of the encierro. Just request an extra morning on the balcony when you book your tour and we'll add it to your package.

When does the bull-running take place? Is it necessary to sign-up somewhere if you want to run in it?

The first encierro take places on the morning of the 7th of July at 8:00 a.m. (yes, A.M!) and then each successive morning up to and including the 14th.

There's no need to sign-up, you just simply show up about an hour before the encierro starts (before the fencing is closed) and wait for the rocket to go off (which signifies that they've released the bulls). It is important that you're sure that you want to run. While it is an experience of a lifetime, it also hold its dangers and should be considered carefully.

Our guides have running experience and will give you an opportunity to ask questions during your happy hour.

What's the typical age of an average Ludus client?

Ludus Tours doesn't cater to any specific age group, nor do we have any restrictions. For Pamplona 2008, we had an 18 year-old high school graduate traveling with his father, and in 2009 a 75-year old gentleman (who ran!). That being said, the majority of our clients are between the ages of 30-45 years old and regardless of age everyone is energetic, fun and ready for a good time. Click here for photos of our 2009 tour.

What is the Chupinazo on July 6th?

At 12:00 midday on July 6th, the San Fermín festival literally takes off with a bang. This moment is marked by a rocket (the "Chupinazo"), which announces the start of the Fiesta.

All morning, crowds pack in like sardines at the Plaza Ayuntamiento. The passion and intensity grows every minute until it reaches a the culmination at noon.  

At that point the Mayor and members of the Council step out onto the balconies of the Town Hall to greet the crowds. A nominated person shouts the announcement; "Pamploneses, Pamplonesas, Viva San Fermín! Gora San Fermín!" (people of Pamplona, long live San Fermín!) The crowd responds with cries of "Viva!" and "Gora!" and the rocket is launched into the sky.  At this moment the square erupts as hundreds of bottles of champagne are uncorked and sprayed all over the crowd.

Please note that this is an intense event as it is unbelievably crowded. People are pushing back and forth and you'll undoubtably be sprayed with champagne and sangría. A lot of our clients (and guides!) opt to enjoy the festivities from the Plaza Castillo where it is slightly less crowded, or better yet the Ludus Balcony on Calle Estafeta where we hold an Opening Ceremonies Open House.

This is my first time to Pamplona...what are the things that shouldn't be missed?

Good choice coming with Ludus Tours! We know the festival well and can direct you toward myriad activities. The festival abounds with music, good food and drink, interesting sites, etc. You certainly won't want to miss the encierro or the bullfight - both are crucial to a complete San Fermín experience. You'll also want to try some good wine and tapas Spanish style - bar hopping! Instead of trying to sit down at a restaurant, go from bar to bar and pick from tapas (or pinchos, as they're called in this part of Spain) of all kinds. Also, don't miss the gigantes, or giants, and their consorts every morning as they parade through the streets.

The "Peñas sanfermineras" or social clubs, are another one not to miss and are usually the protagonists of the night life with their bands of music as they march around the streets of the old part of town. After the bull-fights they provide a raucous spectacle as they parade out of the bull-ring in unison and slowly head back to their club premises. The final act of the Fiesta, The Pobre de Mí is very emotional and a must for most people, while for others it is a depressing moment and best ignored.

Where can the San Fermin Poster and The Feria de Toro Poster be found?

San Fermín Poster is printed and published by the Town Hall the same as the official program, and these are available from the book stores or in the Tourism Office. The Yoar distributor also sends it with a policy of payment on receipt by calling telephone  (+34) 948 30 22 39 or by sending a fax to  948 30 27 08. The Feria de Toro poster is printed and published by La Casa de Misericordia (better known as “La Meca).

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