Pamplona’s second encierro of San Fermín 2026 was completed by the Cebada Gago bulls in 2 minutes and 26 seconds. The tightly packed herd left runners little room to maneuver, and a series of falls followed along the route. Though known for aggression, the bulls kept a disciplined pace. Their compact formation still made the route hazardous for participants.
The Cebada Gago bulls are feared participants in the encierro. Their close formation left few openings for runners to move clear, increasing the risk of falls and contact with the herd. A report by El Caso, published on October 22, 2026, said the second run resulted in at least one horn injury.
The bulls’ smaller size compared with those from Fuente Ymbro the previous day did little to reduce the intensity of the event. On the narrow streets, a tightly grouped herd can restrict runners’ escape routes, making it harder to regain their footing or move out of the animals’ path.
This year’s San Fermín festivities have drawn attention to the challenges of the encierros and the demands they place on public-safety planning. Coverage of the festival’s launch highlighted the opening day’s focus on first responders, as well as the risks managed during one of Spain’s most iconic events.
San Fermín’s encierros are a central tradition in Pamplona, held during the city’s July festival and watched by locals and visitors. Their speed and unpredictability continue to define the event, while runs featuring Cebada Gago are closely associated with the danger posed by a tightly packed herd.
