What are the Peñas - and what do they do?

The Peñas are the ultimate display of wild party atmosphere throughout the old city of Pamplona, and throughout the San Fermín fiesta! The peñas, quite simply, are local social clubs that meet throughout the year for whatever reason they need, in order to throw a party! However, their main social event is the San Fermín fiesta, when members of each peña dress in their particular colors and carry their special banner - designed especially for the San Fermín fiesta! The peñas are known for their unending, 24/7, happy music and wild dancing - not only in the streets of the fiesta, but especially during the bullfights as well! Here is a link which describes clearly the role of the peñas at a bullfight, during the sanfermines, in Pamplona! Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6NHN2AmBNw

How do we make TRAIN RESERVATIONS to Pamplona?

The website www.renfe.com is Spain's train schedule site......However, please know that the train schedules are not posted until 61 days prior to the departure date. For example, if you want to buy train tickets for a Madrid to Pamplona trip on July 5th, check with the www.renfe.com website on May 5th...Trains in Spain are very punctual, clean and quite economical. Enjoy!

Which bus should we take from the Pamplona train station??

Many of you have been asking a very commonly asked question:  From the train station, which public bus is best for transport to the old city, Pamplona?  The only busline from the RENFE train station in Pamplona, to the old city, where the sanfermines take place, is the Bus # 9.....You will see the bus-stop just outside the main entrance/exit of the train station....and, you can expect a short 10-15 minute bus trip into the old city, depending on San Fermín traffic!

Should we rent BALCONY places, in order to watch the BULLRUNS??

Many of you have been asking the question: Is it really necessary to rent balcony places in order to see the bullruns?? We can tell you from our own experiences from many years ago, that YES!! - If you plan to see the bullruns, then you must be on a balcony along the route - watching the bullrun from the elevation and safety of a balcony is really the only predictable way to witness this "Running of the Bulls" phenomenon! The bullrun is only 825 meters in length, and it has been estimated that there are only about 800 balcony places for rent each day! There are an estimated 250,000 people in Pamplona - both residents and tourists - on any given date of the fiestas....With so few areas along the route which have barricades for watching the bullruns, you really need to rent balcony places, if you are serious about watching this world-famous event! Do NOT delay!! Send an email to maria@bullbalcony.com right away! Balconies in Pamplona are filling up very quickly now - the sanfermines are just 4 months away! Here is a picture of tourists who did NOT have balcony reservations with us!

Which book do you recommend, in order to prepare for the SAN FERMIN fiestas?

We do recommend that you read all about the SAN FERMIN fiestas before you head to Pamplona! You will better understand the deep history and pageantry that surround the celebrations, and you will learn about so many of the traditions that encompass the sanfermines. We highly recommend the book, PAMPLONA, Running the Bulls, Bars and Barrios en Fiesta de San Fermín, written by Ray Mouton, and available at www.amazon.com Mr. Mouton's description of the sanfermines is the next best thing to being at the fiestas! We recommend that you read this fabulous book at least once before heading to Pamplona and at least once, upon your return. Treat yourself to a copy! Enjoy!

THIRD STEP of the SAN FERMIN ladder!

Today is March 3rd, and this means that we have officially climbed to the THIRD STEP of the San Fermín Stairway! First of January, 2nd of February, 3rd of March.....today is the perfect excuse to enjoy some chilled sangria, and to remember that the sanfermines, 2009, are rapidly approaching!! Saludos!