What to bring to the Pamplona Bull Run
- White trousers and white t-shirt or shirt. This is not just for the participants in the run; everyone is wearing this, male and female. You will stand out like a sore thumb if you don't dress appropriately. Pretty funky souvenir t-shirts can be bought on the night if you don't want to wear your own, though white trousers are a little harder to find (and what would you do with the ones you are wearing when you get changed).
- Red handkerchief. Fold it in half and tie it around your neck. Again, everyone will be wearing this. Can be bought at the festival for under 5 euros.
- Long, thin red scarf. Tied round your waste like a belt. Again, can be bought at the festival quite cheaply.
- Two liters of red wine. (About 1 euro in a supermarket) & two liters of Coca Cola. Mix the two together to make Calimocho (Kalimotxo in Basque), the drink at San Fermin.
- Ice. For the Calimocho. (This can be bought at the festival, which is probably for the best, as ice bought in Bilbao will be a wet backpack in Pamplona.)
- Deck of cards. To pass the time waiting for the bull run.
- A blanket or sweater. It can get quite cold in Pamplona at 5am!
- Red Bull. You're going to have to stay awake somehow.
- The lyrics to the 'rezo de San Fermin'. This one is more important for those who intend on participating. The 'rezo de San Fermin' is the chant that the bullfighters shout out three times shortly before the run takes place. Those taking part should learn it. It goes like this:
"A San Fermín pedimos, por ser nuestro patrón, nos guíe en el encierro dándonos su bendición"
- A newspaper. Not just something to read to pass the time while you wait for the bull run - see my Pamplona Bull Run Image Gallery to see what else to do with it.
Next Pamplona Running of the Bulls FAQ: Where should I stand to watch the run from?
