You do not need to come for all nine days to experience San Fermín in full. From July 7 onwards, every day of the festival follows the same structure, each with its own nuances: bull run, giants, pintxos, bullfight, music and fireworks. If your time is limited, here is what to prioritise depending on how many days you have, and which days to choose in 2027.
The schedule that repeats every day
From July 7 to 14, Pamplona follows an almost fixed rhythm. Knowing it helps you build any itinerary, whether you have one day or a whole week.
- Early morning: the La Pamplonesa band plays wake-up music through the streets.
- 8:00: the running of the bulls.
- After the run: breakfast of churros with chocolate, or fried eggs with chistorra.
- 9:30: the Giants and Big-Heads parade sets off from Calle Mayor.
- Midday: pintxos and vermouth in the Old Town. See what to eat and drink.
- 18:30: the bullfight at the bullring.
- Evening: music, dancing and peñas in Plaza del Castillo and the Old Town.
- Around 23:00: fireworks from Vuelta del Castillo park (July 6–14).
The days that are different
- July 6: the Chupinazo opens the festival at 12:00. There is no bull run that day.
- July 7: San Fermín's day. First bull run and, at 10:30, the Procession of San Fermín through the Old Town.
- July 14: last bull run and, at midnight, the Pobre de mí, when the city says goodbye to the festival.
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San Fermín 2027 day by day
In 2027 the festival runs from Tuesday, July 6 to Wednesday, July 14. The only weekend is Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July, when Pamplona is at its fullest and accommodation is hardest to find. If you can choose, weekdays are calmer and easier to book. All the key dates are in San Fermín 2027: dates and schedule.
If you only have one day
Choose July 7. Watch the bull run at 8:00, then the procession and the giants in the morning, have a pintxo lunch in the Old Town and stay for the evening atmosphere and the fireworks. It is the day with the most unique events in a single stretch.
If you have a weekend (2 days)
Prioritise one bull run, watched from the double fence or a balcony. Arrive with an hour to spare. Then follow the Giants and Big-Heads and have a pintxos lunch around the Old Town. Save the evening for the fireworks from Vuelta del Castillo park or the City Walls. If one of your days is July 6, swap the morning plan for the Chupinazo in the Town Hall square, and arrive early if you want a spot.
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With three days
Add a bullfight in the afternoon, or simply the atmosphere around the bullring, and a full evening of music and dancing in Plaza del Castillo. That gives you time to alternate the bustle of Estafeta with quieter areas like the Navarrería, and to try more than one pintxo bar without rushing.
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With four days or more
Now you can afford a calmer day: no early start for the bull run, and time for the City Walls, the Old Town at a relaxed pace and a museum or two. Visit the Ensanche Market, with stalls of Navarrese produce, and if a local friend invites you to lunch at their peña or gastronomic society, say yes: the after-lunch singing is one of the most authentic experiences of the festival.
Advice whatever the length of your stay
- Book accommodation months ahead. It is the first thing to sell out. Compare options in our San Fermín accommodation guide.
- Want to see the bull run from a balcony? Book that early too: see how to rent a balcony.
- Dress for the festival: what to wear to San Fermín.
- Pace yourself. The days start at 8:00 and end after midnight: sleep when you can.
Complete your planning with our guide to planning your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for San Fermín?
Two or three days are enough to see the essentials: a bull run, the Giants and Big-Heads, a bullfight or the fireworks, and the atmosphere of the Old Town. With four days or more you can add rest days and trips around Pamplona.
What is the best day to go to San Fermín?
July 7 is the most complete single day: the first bull run, the Procession of San Fermín and the Giants and Big-Heads all happen that morning. July 6 is the day for the Chupinazo, and July 14 for the Pobre de mí farewell.
What happens every day at San Fermín?
From July 7 to 14 the day follows the same pattern: the bull run at 8:00, the Giants and Big-Heads at 9:30, pintxos at midday, the bullfight at 18:30, music and dancing in the evening and fireworks around 23:00.
When is the weekend of San Fermín 2027?
San Fermín 2027 runs from Tuesday, July 6 to Wednesday, July 14. The only weekend is Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July, the busiest days of the festival.
Can you see San Fermín in one day?
Yes. Choose July 7: watch the bull run at 8:00, the procession and the giants in the morning, have a pintxo lunch, and stay for the evening atmosphere and the fireworks.