Sanmiguelada in San Miguel de Allende

This event has been cancelled, as most residents was complaining about it being no good for the town. We will keep you posted if this changes.

Sanmiguelada Also known as the Pamplonada because it is Mexico's imitation of Spain's "running of the bulls (Pamplona)," the Sanmiguelada begun in 1973 is an annual festival usually taking place the third Saturday of September in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. This annual event attracts more than 20,000 participants from all over Mexico, and the world. Brave individuals wearing red shirts and bandanas test there courage and agility. Around noon the streets around the El Jardin the cities garden are blocked off and 6 to 12 full size fighting bulls are turned loose for an hour. The event involves dances, concerts, fireworks. The event ends with a bullfight at San Miguel's Plaza de Toro. If you plan on visiting San Miguel de Allende in September book your hotel reservations early because this event draws record crowds.

The event

Before the running of the bulls, a set of wooden or iron barricades is erected to direct the bulls along the route and to block off side streets. There may be a double row of barricades along the route to allow runners to quickly exit in case of danger. The gaps in the barricades are wide enough for a person to slip through, but narrow enough to block a bull.

 

Warning - Running with bulls is dangerous. Injuries are common to the participants who may be gored or trampled, and to the bulls, whose hooves grip poorly on the paved or cobbled street surfaces.