Bullfights Bull Fighting Jul 6–14, 2012

San Fermín bullfights at the Plaza de Toros are scheduled on every day of the San Fermín festival beginning with the introductory Rejones Horseback Bullfight on July 6 and continuing with the official Bull Run fights each evening. For those interested in Bullfights in Pamplona, there is certainly no better time to see a bullfight than during San Fermín. One of Spain’s oldest traditions, bullfighting is considered an art form; spectators should be aware, however, that the ultimate goal is to kill the bull, which rarely happens quickly.

Obtaining tickets to bullfights at San Fermín can be difficult, but worth the hassle for anyone curious about this particular cultural experience. To get a ticket, spectators should line up outside the bullring starting at 8pm the evening before the fight. San Fermín bullfight tickets start at €18+ for seats in the sun and €25+ for seats in the shade, and can range up to €100 depending on the location. There are also San Fermín ticket scalpers outside the bullring on the day of the bullfight, but their prices will likely be more expensive, especially earlier in the week. As the week goes on, however, scalper prices go down.

Once inside the Plaza de Toros, spectators will find a packed house and a lively, energized Spanish and international crowd of all ages. The spectators in the sol section (sunny side) tend to be considerably younger and rowdier than those in the other sections, and are known to throw food, douse one another in wine and other drinks, and make a complete mess – a tradition accepted as part of the overall experience. Once the crowd settles a bit, the San Fermín bullfights commence and last for a couple of hours, during which some of the best and most popular matadors take on ferocious bulls in honor of the Spanish tradition.

The party continues at the conclusion of the Pamplona bullfights around 8:30pm, led by the exit of the Peñas (Pamplona’s social clubs), who parade, sing, and chant through the streets.