Photo: Some rights reserved by Infrogmation

You haven’t seen it all until you’ve witnessed New Orleans’ eccentric version of Running of the Bulls. This wild festival, known as San Fermin in Nueva Orleans, is fashioned after the traditional event that takes place in Pamplona, Spain, each year. But instead of the wild beasts running in the streets goring people, the Big Easy Rollergirls (plus the participants from the other roller derby leagues across the country) dress up like bulls and skate after runners, attempting to whack them with wiffle ball bats. This fest is sure to get your blood pumping!

The runners are encouraged to wear all white with red accents like sashes and kerchiefs (following the style of the traditional Spanish festival). The bulls sport black and red, and horned helmets. Both the runners and the bulls are known to get creative with their costuming, so you’ll have the chance to see some pretty eccentric creations out there.

This year, the festival will be held over the weekend of July 12-14, 2024. The Encierro (the run) itself is always held on Saturday, and the partying starts early. Around 6:30 a.m. people will start gathering around Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave.) in downtown New Orleans, enjoying live music, food trucks, and sangria. (Please note the new venue this year.)

After the procession and the invocation honoring San Fermin, patron saint of Pamplona, the run begins at 8 a.m., making its way through the CBD and Warehouse District on a near-mile-long route.

Although you will get some exercise while running from the Derby Girls, Running of the Bulls is just as much about the food and drinks as it is about the “running.” Many participants will stick around after the run is done, at approximately noon, to continue partying at Gallier Hall or do some bar crawling in the area. Another option is the after-party, La Fiesta de Pantalones (2024 location TBA).

The festival’s opening party on Friday is an annual ticketed fundraiser with an open bar, an auction, and delicious food provided by local restaurants. The closing party on Sunday, called El Pobre de Mi (“Poor Me”), will wrap things up. This will be your chance to recover from the run with burlesque and cocktails.

The events happening on Friday and Saturday are ticketed, while the Sunday closing party is pay-as-you-go. Proceeds go to Beth’s Friends Forever, a charity named after Nola Bulls cofounder Beth Hanning, which raises money for local women fighting cancer; and the Big Easy Animal Rescue.

Interested? Get tickets online and check out the rules of the run before you go.

Are You visiting New Orleans soon?

We’d love for you to stay with us! Take advantage of Prince Conti Hotel’s specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Also, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!