The 2027 Running of the Bulls in Pamplona will take place on eight consecutive mornings, from Wednesday, July 7 to Wednesday, July 14, 2027, starting at 8:00 am sharp every day. The dates never move: San Fermín always opens on July 6 and closes at midnight on July 14, whatever day of the week they fall on.
San Fermín 2027 at a glance
| Date | Day | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| July 6 | Tuesday | Chupinazo — the opening rocket at 12:00 noon from City Hall |
| July 7 | Wednesday | First bull run (8:00 am) and the San Fermín procession |
| July 8–9 | Thursday–Friday | Bull runs at 8:00 am |
| July 10–11 | Saturday–Sunday | Weekend bull runs — the busiest mornings of the week |
| July 12–13 | Monday–Tuesday | Bull runs at 8:00 am |
| July 14 | Wednesday | Last bull run, and the “Pobre de mí” farewell at midnight |
The official programme for 2027 is published by Pamplona City Council in late spring. Times for the bull run itself have not changed in decades, but always double-check concerts and side events once the programme is out.
What happens before 8:00 am
The run itself lasts only two to three minutes, but the morning starts much earlier:
- From around 6:00 am — spectators start claiming spots along the fences, and the bullring opens its gates.
- Until 7:30 am — runners can enter the course. On July 7 and at weekends the cut-off is earlier, at 7:15 am. In 2027 that means July 7, 10 and 11.
- 7:55, 7:57 and 7:59 am — runners sing a short prayer to San Fermín in front of a small statue of the saint at the bottom of Santo Domingo, asking for his protection.
- 8:00 am — the first rocket goes off and the corral gate opens.
The four rockets, explained
If you are watching rather than running, the rockets are how you follow the action:
- First rocket: the gate is open and the bulls are on their way.
- Second rocket: all six bulls have left the corral. A long gap between the first and second rocket usually means a bull stayed behind — and a split herd is the most dangerous kind of run.
- Third rocket: the whole herd is inside the bullring.
- Fourth rocket: the animals are in the bullring's pens and the run is over.
Each morning six fighting bulls run alongside a group of steers, which guide the herd along the course. The same six bulls appear in the bullfight that evening.
Which morning should you choose?
If you only have one morning, avoid the weekend if you can. Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11, 2027 will draw the biggest crowds of the week — on the course, along the fences and on the balconies. Weekday runs from July 12 onwards tend to be calmer, which makes them a better pick both for first-time spectators and for anyone thinking of running.
The first run on July 7 has its own magic: the city is still buzzing from the Chupinazo and many people head straight to the course without sleeping. Expect a packed, emotional and slightly chaotic morning.
Planning tip
Pamplona's hotels fill up months ahead for San Fermín. If you already know which morning you want to see, book your accommodation — and your balcony or bullring ticket, if you want one — as early as you can.
Keep planning
Ready for the details? Start with where to watch the Running of the Bulls, walk the route section by section, and if you are tempted to take part, read the rules for runners first.
In pictures
Running of the Bulls pictures: 27 photos, plus all our San Fermín pictures.