The sixth San Fermín encierro saw La Palmosilla bulls charge through Pamplona. Several runners were knocked down or injured. Emergency teams and police were active along the route. The event captured the festival’s intensity and risk.
High drama unfolded in Pamplona as the sixth encierro of San Fermín brought a surge of risk and adrenaline to the city’s streets. Bulls from the renowned La Palmosilla ranch charged through the historic route, with several runners being struck or toppled at notorious spots such as the Mercaderes curve, Estafeta street, and the narrow alley leading to the bullring. The morning’s run quickly turned tense as emergency teams from Cruz Roja responded to multiple injuries, highlighting the ever-present danger of this celebrated tradition.
Local police took control of the streets before the encierro began, ensuring that the route was clear and that safety protocols were in place. Despite these measures, the unpredictability of the bulls and the density of participants led to chaotic moments. Among the crowd, some runners stood out by wearing shirts in the colors of the Palestinian flag, adding a visible note of solidarity to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
The intensity of the event was captured in a series of striking images, showing both the determination of the runners and the raw power of the bulls. The combination of excitement and risk remains a defining feature of San Fermín, drawing thousands to Pamplona each year. Volunteers and medical staff worked swiftly to assist those injured, while the police presence underscored the city’s commitment to maintaining order during one of Spain’s most emblematic celebrations.
Incidents during the encierro are not uncommon, and this year’s runs have already seen a number of injuries and close calls. For context, a recent report detailed how a previous San Fermín run with La Palmosilla bulls resulted in ten injuries and several hospitalizations, with police intervening over safety concerns—further illustrating the unpredictable nature of these events. More on that can be found in this detailed account of a recent high-speed encierro.
San Fermín’s encierros are a central part of Pamplona’s identity, blending tradition, spectacle, and real risk. The festival attracts participants from across Spain and beyond, each seeking the unique experience of running alongside the bulls. The presence of emergency services and strict police oversight reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to balance the celebration’s spirit with the safety of all involved. As the festival continues, attention remains focused on both the thrill of the chase and the measures in place to protect runners and spectators alike.
San Fermín, held annually in July, is one of Spain’s most internationally recognized festivals. The encierro, or running of the bulls, traces its origins to the early 14th century and has evolved into a major cultural event. Each morning during the festival, bulls are released to run through the city’s streets toward the bullring, accompanied by hundreds of runners. The event is broadcast live and draws significant media attention, with safety protocols continually updated in response to past incidents. The combination of tradition, risk, and spectacle ensures that San Fermín remains a focal point of Spanish summer festivities.
