BTN News: On July 8th at 8:00 AM, Pamplona will once again come alive with the excitement of the second bull run of the San Fermín 2024 festival. Following the exhilarating first encierro, the gates of Santo Domingo’s corrals will open to release six fierce bulls accompanied by six steers. They will dash through the streets of the Navarrese city towards the Plaza de Toros, closely followed by thousands of runners. The 875-meter course, although short, is packed with adrenaline and takes only a few minutes to complete. This event, renowned globally thanks to Ernest Hemingway’s depiction, is one of the highlights for locals and visitors alike.
The Origins of San Fermín
The San Fermín festival dates back to medieval times, originating as a religious celebration and a cattle fair. Bullfighting soon became an integral part of the festivities. Initially, the event wasn’t held on July 7th. It was in 1591 that the city council requested the bishop to establish this date as the city’s official celebration. Since then, San Fermín has grown into a world-famous festival, drawing crowds from all over the globe.
The Bulls of the Second Encierro
For this second run, the bulls from the Cebada Gago ranch, celebrating their 40th year of participation, will take the spotlight. This ranch, located in Cádiz, is known for its diverse bull colors including black, ensabanados, salineros, red, chestnut, and sardos. These bulls are not only brave but also fierce, known for their agility and sharp, intact horns. Their runs are always thrilling and hazardous. Later in the day, these bulls will be fought by matadors Juan Leal, Román, and Isaac Fonseca during the Fiesta del Toro.
How to Watch the Second Encierro
You can watch the second encierro of San Fermín 2024 live on Monday, July 8th from 8:00 AM on La 1 and via streaming on RTVE Play. Additionally, you can stay updated with the latest news and minute-by-minute coverage on RNE and RTVE.es. For a comprehensive San Fermín experience, tune into RTVE’s special coverage, hosted daily by Julian Iantzi and Ana Prada from 7:15 AM. Expert runner Teo Lázaro, with over 30 years of experience, will provide live commentary, analyzing the most exciting and dangerous moments of each run.
Comprehensive San Fermín Coverage on RTVE
RTVE offers extensive coverage of the San Fermín festival from July 7th to 14th. Starting with the traditional chupinazo on July 6th, the festival’s opening ceremony from the balcony of the town hall is a must-see. RTVE’s on-demand platform also features a special section dedicated to San Fermín 2024, allowing viewers to watch the runs live or on replay, and enjoy extra content to learn more about the festival and its main figures. Additionally, the 24-hour channel will provide over 12 hours of daily coverage, including 15 live segments per day, showcasing encierros, folklore, dances, rural sports, processions, and parades.
The San Fermín festival is more than just the running of the bulls; it’s a vibrant celebration filled with cultural events and traditions. Don’t miss out on this unique experience that combines history, excitement, and community spirit in the heart of Pamplona.
