August 8 to 15 The Bull Runs of Blanca

The tradition dates back to the 17^th century and is held to honour San Roque

The bull runs of the town of Blanca, in northern central Murcia, were declared an event of Regional Tourist Interest as long as 36 years ago, and although they are not on the scale of the world-famous fiestas of San Fermín in Pamplona they are one of the most accessible and interesting in the Region.

For one thing, the bulls used are not fully grown adults, being between 2 and 4 years old.

Of course, this is a tradition rooted far further in the past, and there are records of bullfighting events taking place in the locality way back in 1658, when a bull ring here held up to 2,000 people!

The traditional route began in the pens located in "El Hundío" and is still used today for some of the events. It covers a distance of some 800 metres to the temporary bull ring which is used these days, and the event usually begins at or around 14.30. At this time the first of three rockets is launched skywards, warning that the start is imminent, and then a second rocket heightens the nerves throughout the town as people hurry to their nearest vantage point.

A third rocket signals that the bulls are being released from their pen, and excitement, fear and a whole gamut of emotions sweep through the runners and watchers as the run begins. Usually this is quick, but on occasion one or more of the animals turns back and it can be hours before the last one reaches the ring! Sometimes they even “escape” from the route and wander through the streets, but this situation has always been resolved without serious injury (despite the fact that in the main run very serious incidents occasionally occur).

The programme for 2026 includes the following:

Saturday August 8

15.00: The first run, on the traditional route.

Sunday August 9

18.45: Bullfighting in the bullring with animals from the Los Chospes ranch, starring Tomás González and Antonio Aparicio.

Monday August 10

22.00: The second run is held at night, also on the traditional route – this is a new addition to the programme and is being held for only the second time after it proved enormously popular in 2025!

Wednesday August 12

20.00: The children’s run.

Thursday August 13

12.00: The fourth run, along the Gran Vía of Blanca.

18.45: Bullfighting in the bullring with animals from the Valdellán ranch, starring Andrés García and Yuste Varela.

Friday August 14

22.00: Another night run in the fifth event, also along the Gran Vía.

Saturday August 15

18.45: Bullfighting in the bullring with animals from the Barcial ranch, starring Borja Escudero and Alejandro Cano.

(The top image is taken from the official 2025 poster)

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.