On July 14th just before midnight, the square in front of Pamplona’s Town Hall is once again packed with people, though the crowds are noticeably thinner and less exuberant compared to a week earlier. Nine chaotic days after the Chupinazo rocket was set off, it is time for the Running of the Bulls Closing Ceremonies – a bittersweet moment for Pamplonese and visitors alike.
Pobre de Mi marks the end of the fiesta
On July 14th at midnight, in Pamplona, Spain all of the locals and travelers gather one last time in Plaza Consistorial (Town Hall Square) to officially mark the end of the San Fermín Festival with the traditional Pobre de Mi (“Poor Me”) ceremony. This is a very key event in Pamplona, Spain, so other than Plaza Consistorial the rest of the town is pretty quiet. Businesses and restaurants even shut down so everyone can attend. After nine days of nonstop bull runs, parades, concerts, and celebrations, locals and visitors join together to celebrate the fiesta and mark its end with singing, candlelight, and lots of different emotions.
What Happens at the Pobre de Mi Closing Ceremonies
The Gathering
Thousands of locals and travelers alike return to the square of Pamplona, this time in a much calmer demeanor, as no one is ready to say goodbye to the fun of the Fiesta. So unlike Opening Ceremonies which are much more party style, people gather this time to together say ‘Poor Me’. The crowds at the closing ceremonies tend to be smaller than those of the opening ceremonies so could be considered more family friendly, but we do still recommend a balcony to watch from.
The Mayor’s Words
Just before the clock says midnight, the Mayor of Pamplona addresses the crowd saying, ‘Falta menos para el glorioso San Fermín” (“Not long for the glorious San Fermín!’) as he encourages everyone to return to The Running of the Bulls the following year.
The Ceremony
The ceremony itself is more sullen than that of the opening ceremonies. As tradition leads, just after midnight, candles are lit, and the crowd softly sings: “Pobre de Mi, Pobre de Mi, que se han acabado las fiestas de San Fermín”
(“Poor me, poor me, for the San Fermín Festival has ended”).
The Vibe of the Closing Ceremonies
While the Opening Ceremonies explode with rockets, champagne, and excitement, the Closing Ceremonies are marked by candlelight, quiet singing, and saying goodbye to the San Fermin Festival for the year. It can be a sad goodbye, but also invites people to come back the next year for the Fiesta again!
Where can I watch the closing ceremonies?
In the Square
Though the Closing Ceremonies are less crowded then the Opening Ceremonies, watching from the town square still means standing shoulder-to-shoulder in Plaza Consistorial. This is a great way to get up close and personal experience with the ceremony and the other guests as well and experience the music, candlelight, and sing with the crowd.
From a Balcony
Running of the Bulls recommends a balcony for viewing as it is safer and gives you a great view away from the crowd! This is especially recommended for families. A balcony lets you view the ceremony with a birds eye view of the square, so you can see everything going on and don’t miss out on anything! Many tourists appreciate having a balcony to watch from and not get caught up in the crowd.
San Lorenzo Church
After singing, many locals walk to the church and some leave their red scarves and candles in honor of Saint Fermín.
Running of the Bulls Tips for Closing Ceremonies
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- Wear your festival uniform (camisa blanca (white shirt), faja roja (red sash), and pañuelo rojo (red bandana)).
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- Expect a lighter crowd than the opening, but still a crowd,
- Balconies sell out early; Ensure you book in advance so you don’t miss out on a spot and have the chance to get the best of the best.
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Closing Ceremony Packages & Balconies
The Running of the Bulls offers Closing Ceremonies Packages that include a great closing ceremony balcony, so you can book everything at once and view Pobre de Mi with an unmatched view. We also offer VIP Closing Ceremonies Packages for those who want the best of the best. With our expert local team, we make sure your entire time in Pamplona is unforgettable.
Check out our closing ceremony packages here or reach out to our expert travel advisor to build a customized package.
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Modern Castle Resort Closing Ceremonies Package
Price range: 2,710.00 USD through 5,210.00 USD Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page- Hotel: 4-star in Pamplona's Countryside
- Distance to Bull Run: 15-minute shuttle
- Length of Stay: 3 nights
- Chances to Run: 2 mornings
- Bull Run Balcony: Level 3 or Level 4 view
- Closing Ceremonies Balcony overlooking plaza with direct view of Town Hall
- Bullfights: Lower Deck Tendido Seats
- Breakfast: Included every morning
- Meals: Cuadrilla Dinner hosted by Running of the Bulls® & VIP Fireworks Party
- Walking Tour: Bull Run Tour with Expert Runner
- Premium Apparel Package: 1591™ Polo or T-Shirt, bandana and sash
- Concierge: Our team member in your hotel lobby
- Arrival Date: July 12, 2026 - Departure Date: July 15, 2026
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Premier City Center Closing Ceremonies Package
Price range: 4,210.00 USD through 8,720.00 USD Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
- Hotel: 4-star in Pamplona City Center
- Distance to Bull Run: 1 Minute Walk
- Length of Stay: 3 nights
- Chances to Run: 2 mornings
- Closing Ceremonies Balcony
- Bull Run Balcony Spot: Level 1 or 2 View
- Bullfight Ticket: Lower Deck Tendido Seats
- Breakfast: Included every morning
- Meals: Cuadrilla Dinner hosted by Running of the Bulls® & VIP Fireworks Party
- Walking Tour: Bull Run Tour with Expert Runner
- Premium Apparel Package: 1591™ Polo or T-Shirt, bandana and sash
- Concierge: Our team member in your hotel lobby
- Arrival Date: July 12, 2026 - Departure Date: July 15, 2026
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Famous Luxury Hotel Closing Ceremonies Package
Price range: 17,550.00 USD through 27,310.00 USD Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
- Hotel: 5-star in Pamplona City Center
- Distance to Bull Run: On the bull run route
- Length of Stay: 3 nights
- Closing Ceremony Balcony Spots: VIP Terrace
- Bull Run Balcony Spots: Dead Man's Curve Level 1 or 2 view for 1 day
- Chances to Run: 2 mornings
- Bullfight Ticket: Premium Tendido Shade Seats
- Walking Tour: Bull Run Tour with Expert Runner
- Meals: Cuadrilla Dinner hosted by Running of the Bulls® & VIP Fireworks Party + Tapas & Wine Event
- Premium Apparel Package: 1591™ Polo or T-Shirt, bandana and sash
- Private Arrival Transfer: Pamplona Airport or Train Station to Gran Hotel La Perla
- Private Departure Transfer: Gran Hotel La Perla to Pamplona Airport or Train Station
- Arrival Date: July 12, 2026 - Departure Date: July 15, 2026
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FAQs for Closing Ceremonies Packages
What’s included in a Running of the Bulls travel package?
Each Running of the Bull Travel Package is built to include everything you need while in Pamplona for the Fiesta (even food if you choose the add-on). Our priority is your trip and making it as stress-free as possible so you can check it off on your bucket list
How can I contact you with questions before or during my trip?
You can reach out via the “Pamplona Expert Travel Advice” form on the site prior to booking or give us a call where one of our Travel Experts can answer your questions! Once booked, you can call, email, or send us a message with any questions until you receive the app link with your itinerary, where we then kindly request that you use the messaging feature in the app to contact us directly.
Due to the fact that our team relocates to Spain during the Fiesta, we do ask that you use the in-app messaging feature to contact our team directly during the Fiesta, or stop by one of the Running of the Bulls Concierge desks, many will be located in the lobby of your hotel, but if not your app will tell you which one you should stop by.
What dates can I book for The Running of the Bulls?
Running of the Bulls Travel Packages are split-up to offer packages for each section of the Fiesta: Opening Ceremonies (July 6-8), Mid-Fiesta (July 8-12), and Closing Ceremonies (July 12-14). On top of our general packages, you can also schedule a phone or zoom call and we can create a custom itinerary for you if you need different dates, or want a more customized itinerary!
What dates can I book for The Running of the Bulls?
Running of the Bulls Travel Packages are split-up to offer packages for each section of the Fiesta: Opening Ceremonies (July 6-8), Mid-Fiesta (July 8-12), and Closing Ceremonies (July 12-14). On top of our general packages, you can also schedule a phone or zoom call and we can create a custom itinerary for you if you need different dates, or want a more customized itinerary!
How and When do I get my detailed itinerary?
Once you purchase a package, you’ll receive a detailed itinerary link (via email) to download the Trip Plans App and Open your itinerary. This link will be sent out 30 days before your arrival date. Through the app, you can access your schedule, get live updates, and message the team directly.
What dates can I book for The Running of the Bulls?
Running of the Bulls Travel Packages are split-up to offer packages for each section of the Fiesta: Opening Ceremonies (July 6-8), Mid-Fiesta (July 8-12), and Closing Ceremonies (July 12-14). On top of our general packages, you can also schedule a phone or zoom call and we can create a custom itinerary for you if you need different dates, or want a more customized itinerary!
How can I contact you with questions before or during my trip?
You can reach out via the “Pamplona Expert Travel Advice” form on the site prior to booking or give us a call where one of our Travel Experts can answer your questions! Once booked, you can call, email, or send us a message with any questions until you receive the app link with your itinerary, where we then kindly request that you use the messaging feature in the app to contact us directly.
Due to the fact that our team relocates to Spain during the Fiesta, we do ask that you use the in-app messaging feature to contact our team directly during the Fiesta, or stop by one of the Running of the Bulls Concierge desks, many will be located in the lobby of your hotel, but if not your app will tell you which one you should stop by.
Can the travel package be customized or upgraded?
Yes. While we do offer featured and standard packages, you can upgrade it by adding on add-ons like Lunch/Dinner or more tickets to events, you can also contact us to create a customized, group, or VIP travel package!
How many guests does a travel package cover?
Most packages are priced per person and have single, double, or triple occupancy options (due to the fact that hotel rooms in Pamplona only sleep up to 3 people). So for a larger family you may need to purchase more than one package and when booking let us know so we can organize connecting or close proximity rooms. For larger groups like business corporation groups, adventure groups, very large family groups, etc are not included in these travel packages, so please contact us for Running of the Bulls Group Travel Packages so we can help you create the trip you need to cover all of your guests!
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Some packages are non-refundable, particularly VIP packages or Large Customized Packages. Other packages follow our cancellation policy :
In the event of cancellation, refunds will be made, less cancellation charges and administrative fees, based on the schedule below:
Before September 15, 2025: 75% Refund of cancelled portion
Before December 1, 2025: 50% Refund of cancelled portion
Before March 1, 2026: 25% Refund of cancelled portion
March 1, 2026, and after: All Bookings are Non-Refundable
All cancellations, name transfers, and changes are subject to a $100 administration fee.
To read more about our cancellation policy, you can read more here.
Is travel insurance included?
Running of the Bulls does not provide travel insurance and though not required, travel insurance is highly recommended. As we get closer to the fiesta, our refund policy does not include a full refund so insurance helps cover unforeseen disruptions, last minute cancellations, natural disasters, and most travel insurances also cover any wellness needs during your trip (check the official policies to see what each company covers).
How and When do I get my detailed itinerary?
Once you purchase a package, you’ll receive a detailed itinerary link (via email) to download the Trip Plans App and Open your itinerary. This link will be sent out 30 days before your arrival date. Through the app, you can access your schedule, get live updates, and message the team directly.
What does local support and guides look like in Spain?
Running of the Bulls provides guides and local support during your time in Spain. What this includes while you are in Spain is ROTB concierge desks in many hotels, availability to contact us anytime via the app, guided tours, local experts on balconies to explain what is going on, and guides at any ROTB official event you attend.
If you would like additional support while in Pamplona, we do offer the option to book a private concierge that can attend events with you, take you around the city center, and help guide you around the city and to events.