San Fermín 2026 ended in Pamplona with thousands gathering at midnight. The 'Pobre de mí' farewell saw record crowds and advanced technology. This year’s encierros brought historic moments and notable incidents.
San Fermín 2026 concluded in Pamplona with a striking midnight scene: thousands assembled in Plaza Consistorial, holding flickering candles and singing the traditional 'Pobre de mí' to mark the official end of the festivities. The city, dominated for nine days by the iconic red and white, shifted to a more subdued atmosphere as participants removed their scarves and joined in the collective farewell. According to RTVE, the square was packed with both locals and visitors, many visibly moved as the festival closed after a record-breaking year for attendance and technological innovation.
This edition of Sanfermines stood out not only for the sheer number of participants but also for the scale of its digital and technical deployment. Throughout the week, the encierros delivered dramatic moments, from the rapid pace set by La Palmosilla bulls in the opening runs to the high-risk final day featuring the renowned Miura herd. The last encierro, run by Jandilla bulls, lasted two minutes and 25 seconds and resulted in two men being gored—an incident that underscored the enduring dangers of the event, now in its twenty-fifth year with this particular breed.
The closing run, traditionally reserved for Miura bulls, was marked by aggressive charges and tense sprints along the cobblestone route. The Miura bulls, known for their unpredictable temperament, challenged runners from the very start, especially near Plaza Consistorial, where several close calls were reported. As the final notes from the charanga faded and fireworks signaled the end, the mood in Pamplona shifted from celebration to anticipation for next year’s festivities.
San Fermín is one of Spain’s most internationally recognized festivals, drawing visitors from across the globe. The encierros, or running of the bulls, are broadcast live and closely monitored for safety, with emergency services on high alert throughout the week. The event’s combination of tradition, risk, and spectacle has made it a focal point for both local culture and international tourism. With each passing year, organizers have increased their use of technology to manage crowds and enhance security, reflecting broader trends in Spanish public events. As the city returns to normal, preparations for the next San Fermín are already underway, with July 7, 2027, marked on the calendar for another edition of this historic celebration.
