Running of the Bulls, New Orleans Style: San Fermin en Nueva Orleans

You may be familiar with the world-famous Running of the Bulls that takes place each summer in Pamplona, Spain. But did you know that New Orleans has its own version?

This year marks the 12th anniversary of San Fermin en Nueva Orleans. The festivities take place Friday, July 13 through Sunday, July 15, 2018 in downtown New Orleans. Are you planning to take part in the festivities next month? If so, read on to learn everything you need to know about this year’s San Fermin en Nueva Orleans.

San Fermin en Nueva Orleans features the Big Easy Rollergirls instead of traditional bulls. (Photo courtesy Infrogmation)
San Fermin en Nueva Orleans features the Big Easy Rollergirls instead of traditional bulls. (Photo courtesy Infrogmation)

In New Orleans, the “bulls” are rollergirls

The most noticeable difference between the two versions of the Encierro is that in New Orleans, thousands of runners are chased by roller derby skaters (Rollerbulls), rather than actual bulls.

While the event started with local skaters from the Big Easy Rollergirls, New Orleans’ all-female flat-track derby team, San Fermin en Nueva Orleans now also welcomes skaters from roller derby leagues around the world. Skaters adorn their helmets with horns and terrorize runners with plastic bats.

San Fermin en Nueva Orleans is a full weekend of fun

The main event takes place on the morning of Saturday, July 14, but there are festivities all weekend long.

A kick-off party, known as El Txupinazo takes place Friday, July 13, at The Sugar Mill (1021 Convention Center Blvd.). A $60 ticket gives you access to an open bar, Port Orleans beer, live music and flamenco from Ven Pa’Ca, as well as food from local restaurants Atchafalaya, Commander’s Palace, Sobou, and Bacchanal.

Saturday, after El Encierro the party continues at La Fiesta de Pantalones, followed by a brunch event on Sunday, July 15, at Barcadia.

(Ernest Hemingway famously depicted the Spanish running of the bulls tradition in his books The Sun Also Rises and Death in the Afternoon. Hemingway also stayed at Hotel Monteleone and mentioned the Carousel Bar & Lounge in his short story, The Night Before Battle. You can follow in his footsteps by booking our literary suite named in his honor.)

To maintain the traditional Spanish feel, runners at San Fermin in Nueva Orleans are required to wear white and red to participate. (Photo courtesy Flickr user Mark Gstohl.)
To maintain the traditional Spanish feel, runners at San Fermin in Nueva Orleans are required to wear white and red to participate. (Photo courtesy Flickr user Mark Gstohl.)

If you want to run, you’ll need to buy a ticket

In recent years, the event has featured more than 18,000 runners. An event this big requires a lot of organization, and in order to participate in the run, you’ll need to register in advance for tickets. You’ll also be required to wear a white shirt and white pants or shorts, plus a red piece of cloth tied around both your waist and neck.

You’ll also want a place to cool off after your run. With a gorgeous rooftop pool and a world-class rotating bar, Hotel Monteleone is the perfect place to return and relax after running with the bulls.

Take advantage of our summer rates, and book your stay today!

Did you know that New Orleans has its own version of the Running of the Bulls each summer? Here's what you should know...

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