The One Thing That Convinced Me to Put the Festival of San Fermín 🇪🇸 on My Bucket List
Has nothing and everything to do with bulls🐂. Plus, a mile-long list of summer tips, tricks, and things not to miss. And that's no BS.
Happy Thursday!
I’ve been thinking a lot about our trip last month to Spain. If you’re new here, my husband and I recently spent 16 days exploring Madrid, Pamplona, San Sebastián, Toledo, and Valencia. And a village or two.
While each place was pretty close to perfection for me (I’ll take Spain - any day, any way), Pamplona has been on my mind the past couple of days.
It’s also been on my Instagram feed.
The reason?
The famous Running of the Bulls and the San Fermín Festival, which runs this year from July 6 until July 14. During this time, the population of Pamplona swells from approximately 200,000 people to over a million.
Just imagine that.
Prior to my last trip to Spain, of course I’d heard about the Running of the Bulls… in school, from my Spanish friends, and had seen it portrayed in movies. (Remember this City Slickers scene?)
But something clicked when my husband and I were actually in Pamplona, getting the local history of the city and its people from our guide, Francisco Glaria Baines. Francisco gave us all the details about San Fermín, took us on the route where the actual running takes place, and gave us a tour of the bull ring.
Francisco told us that during the festival, there are people everywhere. The hotels and hostels are booked, homes of Pamplona residents are maxed out with guests, and even the public parks and squares are full of people trying to find a spot to sleep.
As crazy as it the celebration sounded, of course I later told my husband that the Running of the Bulls Festival was officially on my bucket list.
But it’s not what you think. Even though I’m a runner, I have no desire (whatsoever) to run with the bulls.
After getting the lowdown from Francisco as well as another great guide, Jose Mari Ardanaz, the founder of El Camino People, we learned that the Running of the Bulls Festival isn’t just for thrill seekers who want to partake in the infamous running with the bulls. While obviously the Running of the Bulls is a huge part of the event, the number of people running is a fraction of those there for the festival.
Some come to San Fermín to run, but others can come to watch the daily running of the bulls and the bullfights, partake in parades, outdoor dances, concerts, performances, and celebrate with family and friends.
People come to be part of the celebration and tradition.
If you’re okay with spending time with a lot of people (like a cool million plus), it’s an experience like none other. For more on what happens during this famous festival, take a look at Rick Steve’s account of Running of the Bulls or get all of your Running of the Bulls questions answered here.
After learning all about the San Fermín Festival, there’s something about it that I can’t stop thinking about. And wouldn’t you know? It happens to be… What I’d Rather Be Talking About:
The Running of the Bulls is all about traditions. Long traditions, in fact, dating back to the 13th Century.
And here’s the beauty of traditions - they give us something to look forward to, year after year.
The big events - like the Running of the Bulls - are rooted in tradition and are non-negotiable. You can count on these events year after year.
While the world churns out surprises and plot twists, traditions ground us and remind us of what’s important.
Traditions give families and friends a reason to gather, and invite new friends in to see what we’re so excited about.
Traditions remind us of where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we want to go.
Traditions remind us of who we are and where we came from.
Traditions define us.
Thank you, Pamplona, for giving me a glimpse at your traditions, and reminding me not to forget my own.
I’ll be back to see all of Pamplona’s traditions first hand.
But for now… I’m back in the US, and have a list of things to make your summer better.
And that’s no bull.
Let’s get to it.
10 (or so) THINGS I’D RATHER BE TALKING ABOUT:
For organizing in style, these baskets are on my basket bucket list, BUT these make more sense financially and are just as cute. (Plus, who knew H&M sells baskets?)
If I said Marco, what would your response be? Polo, obvio.As it turns out, Marco Polo isn’t just a water game made for cheating (show me one kid who hasn’t peeked), it’s also a great way to communicate with family and friends. Check it out. And thanks to Caroline Chambers in her “So Into That” newsletter for cluing me into this cool app.
Also from Caroline Chamber’s newsletter (What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking) is the answer to everyone on the planet’s question, what should I make for dinner? Caroline has the answer and a plan - read about it here.
From my pals Jenna & Hoda… Secrets to Beat the Heat Hair - because heat and humidity do not play well with summer tresses. Also, get real and stay cool with these tips from Evereve.
Is it even July without mentioning The Annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Mark your calendars, it’s July 15 - August 4. SO MANY DEALS await you!
Plus, let’s not forget about Amazon Prime Day, July 16 + 17. I’ve got my eye on these groovy jeans for kickin’ it 70s style and these Nylon Cargo Pants for comfy yet stylish travel.
Speaking of stylish travel, how about some sneakers that actually look cool? Thanks ELLE Fashion for this selection of 20 stylish sneaks. Also on the topic of travel, join me until the end of time as I try to fine-tune my packing game. The latest is that I think a medium-sized suitcase might be the answer to not packing too much, but not taking a Barbie suitcase. How do you like this one?
Let’s get back to reality with some career talk. Are you unhappy at your job or in the world of work in general? Tune into Another Way with Selina Barker for What to do When the Traditional World of Working Doesn’t Work For You.
Take care of yourself with The Ultimate Self Care Guide and don’t miss this episode of the Feel Better, Live More podcast with Five Powerful Ways to Transform Your Summer with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee.
Ending with a new meditation YouTube to help you find clarity. Because how can you have a great summer without clarity?
ANDDDD, that’s a wrap.
See you next week & in the meantime, enjoy your summer and stay safe!
Abbey