Twenty Four Hours at the Pamplona Bull Run

San Fermin Festival, Pamplona: What Happens

What to expect in a day at the San Fermin Festival, Pamplona, home to the Pamplona Running of the Bulls.

• 11pm - enjoy the party!

  At 11pm (or just before) is the firework display, and it's quite an impressive one too. If you are going for the first day of the running of the bulls, remember that the party starts the night before.

  As soon as the firework display is over, you could try following the crowd - the Spanish will know where to go. However, with so much going on, it might be worth selecting where you want go beforehand. The younger generation heads to Plaza Castillo and the surrounding streets, with live music, discos and street musicians inspiring the inebriated party-goers to move their feet. Bear in mind the fact that the partying won't stop until 8am, so pace yourself!

• 2am - wanting a place to rest?

  In need of a quiet place to sit down? You won't find it - everyone from seven to 107 will be out on the streets. If you don't think you can stay up all night, you should Book a Hotel in Pamplona (book direct). Bear in mind that hotels will be booked very far in advance and that you still won't get any rest as it will be so noisy outside. If you really need your sleep, consider Booking a Hotel in Nearby Vitoria (book direct).

• 3am-7am - find a spot to watch the run from

  Read more about Where to Stand at the Pamplona Running of the Bulls.

• 7.45am get your camera ready

  The action comes thick and fast - the part that you can see from where you are standing only lasts about 10 seconds. Therefore you need to get your camera ready. If it has a sports setting, try that, but test it beforehand or you might end up with useless pictures.

• 8am - enjoy the run!

  You've waited all night for this, so have fun! If this is your first day, don't run - watch and learn (I actually recommend that you don't run at all, but who am I to say what you do when you're there?).

• 8.15am until 5pm - very little happens!

  Nothing much happens in Pamplona during the day, as most people are sleeping. If you don't have anywhere to stay, you're going to have to move on (see above for booking hotels). Many people sleep in the parks or walk out of the city and find some shade to rest for a few hours.

  If you are planning on running (hopefully you only watched the first time), you should walk the route with someone who has run before. Read more Tips for Running with the Bulls in Pamplona.

• 5pm - bullfighting in the bullring

  The bulls that ran that morning are involved in the evening's bullfights.

• 11pm - the partying starts again!

  And the cycle repeats itself...

• Next Pamplona Running of the Bulls FAQ: What is the Pamplona Running of the Nudes?

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