Going to the running of the bulls was never high on my list, but it has always been on JBs. After going, I can say it’s a crazy rush and an unforgettable experience. I wasn’t sure how kid friendly San Fermin would be, but I can say San Fermin can be for kids! In 2020, we were able to get a balcony… but we know how that all went. Then we weren’t able to make it work last year. But this year, the stars aligned. Julen has taken us on so many wonderful adventures since we first booked him randomly via airbnb in 2019. He was able to secure a balcony, take us there, show us around for San Fermin, and take us back. On the way there we visited the charming mountain Basque town of Leitza, and on the way back we visited a little mountain town where the boys all jumped into a waterfall. In total it’s about 2 hours from San Sebastián, but nice to break it up both times.
Where we stayed in Pamplona during San Fermin
San Fermin can be pretty wild. For this reason, and especially since we had kids with us, I wanted to stay a bit outside of the city. We stayed at Hotel Alma Pamplona. They had a family suite, and rooms were nice and comfortable. They have a Michelin rated restaurant inside, as well as a bar, and room service available. They also have a spa that’s open to hotel guests. We were able to use the free shuttle to be dropped off and picked up right at the city center. It took about 10 minutes. It was probably the most luxurious hotel you can have in Pamplona.
How to get a balcony
We were able to secure one through our tour guide, Julen. I would reach out to Julen, or find a local tour guide. Our balcony was in a great location. Our host had coffee and cookies waiting for us. The balcony had been in his family for years and years, and his stories of San Fermin were amazing. We ended up being across the way from the local news station, so we spied the boys on TV before the running.
San Fermin for kids
My boys loved the running of the bulls for kids. They first pass out prayers to each person, a rolled up piece of newspaper, and then they chase the kids with fake bulls that spit water. They go round and round. It was adorable. Even little babies participating with their mom or dad. As far as I could tell, we were the only non-spanish there. So definitely look this up when you go! It was a highlight for my kids.
If you run …
you are brave! lol! But there are four different spots you can start from. First is the least safe, and fourth is closer to the bull ring. The police mean business. If you are drunk, too old, or too young, they will pick you out of the crowd. There’s also plenty of spots to “chicken out”. But you have to be on the street at 7. Either inside your balcony to watch, or on the street to run. No one can come in after 7. That is when the police make sure people are fit to run.
What to wear
Everyone wears all white. With the scarf and the tie around your waist. You can get these in town. I wore this outfit for the morning – when it was chilly. The temperatures swing though, and by the afternoon it’s dry and hot. So I changed into this dress for the kids running of the bulls and was glad I did.
Have fun!!
