The Monument to the Encierro: Pamplona's Tribute to the Running of the Bulls

If you've ever wandered the streets of Pamplona, Spain—especially near the bustling Avenida de Roncesvalles—you've probably come across the huge bronze sculpture that seems frozen in the middle of a heart-stopping, high-stakes drama with panicked bullrunners being chased by six wild relentless charging bulls. That's the "Monument to the Encierro", and it's one of Pamplona's most iconic landmarks.

This impressive sculpture is a must-see in Pamplona! It was created by Bilbao-born artist Rafael Huerta, commissioned to celebrate the city’s most famous tradition, the San Fermin fiestas, better known as the "Running of the Bulls". This monument was first unveiled to the public on July 6, 1994, right at the beginning of that year's San Fermín festival, and Huerta later expanded his piece in 2007 to its current form that we see today. It's made entirely of bronze and features a striking scene: six fierce bulls, three steers, and ten human runners—all suspended in a moment of adrenaline-fueled action. Altogether, the monument stretches 11 meters (about 36 feet) long and 4 meters wide, resting on a sturdy concrete base.

What makes this sculpture truly remarkable is not just its size or detail, but the emotion that it conveys. When you visit this monument, you will sense a potent mix of fear, focus, thrill and resignation on the runners’ faces, and you will feel the power in the thundering hooves of the wild bulls’ intense movements. Huerta even included a self-portrait in the sculpture, portraying himself lying on the ground—a personal nod to the urgent danger and drama of the bullrun event itself. Interestingly, the original design featured likenesses of real people, including several well-known bullrunners like Julén Madina, but those were later removed to preserve the universal, anonymous spirit of the sculpture, with no one in particular being identified as a bullrunner in Pamplona.

The "Monument to the Encierro" stands as a vivid tribute to the centuries-old tradition of the bullrun during San Fermín. It’s a way to honor the bravery (and perhaps a little craziness!) of those who run, while also sharing a piece of Pamplona’s cultural soul with the world. Whether you're a longtime fan of the festival or just a curious traveler, the monument gives you a taste of the passion and excitement that fills Pamplona every July.

This monument, dedicated to the Encierro, has also become a popular photo spot. During any date of the San Fermines, you will see visitors posing with the runners or pretending to flee from the bulls, making the monument not just something to look at, but something to experience as well.

So next time you're in Pamplona, take a stroll over to this remarkable monument. It's located at the intersection of the Avenida de Roncesvalles and Avenida de Carlos III, near the city's Old Town and close to the Plaza de Toros (bullring). Even if you don't plan to run with the bulls yourself, the "Monument to the Encierro" offers a thrilling glimpse into the tradition, artistry, and spirit that make San Fermín the unforgettable celebration for which it is world famous.