Every year, when the first days of July arrive, Pamplona is transformed. The streets, balconies, bars, and every corner of the city pulsate to the rhythm of the bull runs, a tradition that blends excitement, fear, celebration, and devotion. From the Balcón del Encierro on the Cuesta de Santo Domingo, there is one of the most privileged views to witness this unique spectacle in the world.

Watching the running of the bulls from here is not just about observing the young men running in front of the bulls; it is a multi-sensory experience that begins even before dawn. From the early hours of the day, you begin to feel a special vibration: the hurried footsteps of those who are going to run, the chants to San Fermín, the nervous murmur of tourists crowding the street, and that unmistakable smell of wood, sweat and adrenaline.

The Balcón del Encierro is located right on one of the most iconic sections of the route: the Cuesta de Santo Domingo. This place has a very powerful emotional and symbolic significance. It is here that the runners entrust themselves to the saint before starting the race, singing to him with trembling voices: ‘We ask San Fermín, as our patron saint, to guide us in the running of the bulls and give us his blessing.’ It is a solemn, almost spiritual moment, experienced in absolute silence, broken only by that song repeated three times.

From the balcony, you can see how the atmosphere changes in seconds. At 8:00 sharp, the rocket announces the release of the bulls. In a matter of moments, the street becomes a dizzying mix of human bodies, horns and speed. It is a moment where everything accelerates. From above, the chaos is perceived with a certain distance, but that does not make it any less exciting. Everything happens in less than three minutes, but the intensity is so great that it seems to stop time.

The sound is something you never forget: the pounding of hooves on the cobblestones, the warning shouts, the ‘watch out, watch out!’ of the herders, and, sometimes, the sudden silence when someone falls or a bull breaks away from the group. At those moments, from the balcony, your heart skips a beat. No matter how many bull runs you have seen, there is always a mixture of fear and respect for what is happening down there.

Sharing this space with family, friends or even visitors from other parts of the world is also part of the charm. People from Japan, the United States and Germany have come to the balcony. Some knew a lot about the festival; others knew very little about it. But they all agreed on one thing: watching the bull run from the Cuesta de Santo Domingo is one of the most intense experiences San Fermín has to offer.

After the bull run, the atmosphere changes. The tension dissipates, and conversations are filled with ‘Did you see that?’, ‘It was so close!’, or ‘That runner was so brave!’. Sometimes there are tears, other times nervous laughter. There is always excitement.

It is difficult to do justice to what it feels like to have this view. It is not just about having a good angle, it is about being part of a living tradition, a collective moment that defines the soul of Pamplona. It is a privilege, yes, but also a responsibility: to watch with respect, with love for the festival, and with an open heart.

Those of us who have experienced the San Fermines know that each bull run is unique and unrepeatable. And having this corner from which to watch it is, without a doubt, an immense stroke of luck. That’s why, every year, we eagerly await the days of July. Because when you open the windows and look out, you will see not only a bull run, but the very spirit of this city.