The 5 Wildest Facts About NOLA’s Running Of The Bulls (San Fermin In Nueva Orleans) 2025
Forget the danger of Pamplona; the New Orleans version of the Running of the Bulls, officially known as San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO), is a uniquely Crescent City spectacle that trades real bulls for roller derby skaters wielding plastic bats. This annual summer festival is an absolute must-do for anyone looking for a thrilling, hilarious, and slightly painful New Orleans experience. As of late 2025, the planning is well underway for the next massive celebration.
The event is a vibrant, weekend-long tribute to the traditional Spanish Encierro, but with a distinct New Orleans twist, blending the city's love for costuming, street parties, and general mayhem. The 2025 edition promises to be bigger than ever, drawing thousands of “runners” in the traditional white and red attire to the streets of the Arts + Warehouse District for a truly unforgettable chase.
The Essential 2025 San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO) Event Details
The NOLA Running of the Bulls is a three-day festival, but the main event—the "Encierro"—is the highlight. Here is the complete breakdown of the latest confirmed dates and key locations for the 2025 celebration, which marks the 19th annual event.
- Official Event Name: San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO)
- Full Festival Dates: Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2025
- Main Event (The Encierro): Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Time of Run: The fun starts as early as 6:30 a.m., with the actual run starting later in the morning and ending around noon.
- Central Location: Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave.) in the Arts + Warehouse District.
- Attire: Participants are strongly encouraged to wear the traditional Spanish running uniform: all white with a red scarf (pañuelo) and sash.
- The "Bulls": Big Easy Rollergirls and other roller derby league participants from across the country.
This festival is a massive undertaking, transforming the downtown area into a sea of white and red, fueled by early morning cocktails and the sheer adrenaline of being chased by women on skates.
Fact 1: The "Bulls" Are Roller Derby Skaters Wielding Bats
The most famous and defining feature of the NOLA Encierro is the complete lack of actual, horned bulls. Instead, the role is played by a formidable group of athletes: the Big Easy Rollergirls and their counterparts from other roller derby leagues nationwide.
These "RollerBulls" don the traditional Spanish bull colors, complete with horned helmets, and glide through the streets on roller skates. Their mission is not to gore, but to playfully—yet firmly—whack the runners with plastic bats (sometimes referred to as wiffle bats or plastic swords).
The sight of thousands of runners being chased and swatted by dozens of fast-moving skaters is the core of the event’s unique charm and safety. While the Pamplona run is a genuine life-or-death gamble, the New Orleans version is a high-energy, safe-spirited, and slightly painful party.
Fact 2: The Festival Has Grown Exponentially Since 2007
What started as a small, quirky idea has exploded into one of New Orleans’ premier summer events. The inaugural run in 2007 was a modest affair, featuring only about 200 "fearless" participants and 14 RollerBulls in the French Quarter.
Today, the event has relocated to the larger Arts + Warehouse District, and the scale is dramatically different. It now regularly attracts an estimated 14,000 runners and spectators, transforming the downtown area into a massive block party. The sheer volume of participants dressed in white and red creates an incredible visual spectacle, cementing its status as a major cultural event. This growth highlights the city's ability to take any tradition and make it uniquely their own—bigger, louder, and slightly more absurd.
Fact 3: It’s a Weekend Festival, Not Just a Morning Run
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans is more than just the Saturday morning Encierro; it's a full weekend of Spanish-themed revelry designed to keep the party going from Friday through Sunday. The main events surrounding the run include:
- El Txupinazo (Friday Night): This is the official opening party, a traditional Spanish celebration that kicks off the weekend. It's the pre-game for the main event, often featuring music, Spanish cocktails, and a high-energy atmosphere.
- The Encierro and Post Run Fiesta (Saturday Morning/Afternoon): After the run ends around noon, the party immediately shifts into a massive Post Run Fiesta at Gallier Hall, featuring live music, food, and drinks. This is where runners and RollerBulls mingle and celebrate their survival.
- La Fiesta de Pantalones (Saturday Afternoon): Translating roughly to "The Pants Party," this is the traditional closing event for the main day, offering more opportunities to socialize and enjoy the New Orleans summer heat.
These related parties are key entities that build the topical authority of the SFNO event, offering multiple points of engagement for attendees beyond the main run itself. The continuous schedule ensures that New Orleans' famous party culture is on full display throughout the weekend.
Fact 4: The Route Starts and Ends at Historic Gallier Hall
The current route for the Encierro is strategically planned to maximize the fun and accommodate the massive crowds. The run begins and ends at the historic Gallier Hall, located at 545 St. Charles Ave. This location is a magnificent piece of Greek Revival architecture, providing a grand backdrop for the chaotic morning.
The course winds through the streets of the Arts + Warehouse District, a neighborhood known for its galleries, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. This area provides ample space for the thousands of runners and the charging RollerBulls, making the event a major economic and cultural driver for that specific part of downtown New Orleans. Navigating the route is a key part of the experience, as runners try to outmaneuver the skaters and avoid the sting of a plastic bat.
Fact 5: The Event is a Massive Fundraiser for Local Charities
While the event is famous for its fun and absurdity, it also serves a serious purpose: giving back to the community. San Fermin in Nueva Orleans is a non-profit event that raises money for various local New Orleans charities. The registration fees and proceeds from the associated parties contribute directly to these causes.
This charitable focus adds a layer of positive intention to the weekend's madness. Participants aren't just running for fun; they are supporting the city's vital non-profit sector. This commitment to philanthropy is a defining feature of many New Orleans festivals, where celebration and community support often go hand-in-hand.
Tips for Running the NOLA Encierro Like a Pro
If you plan to attend the 2025 NOLA Running of the Bulls, a little preparation goes a long way. The summer heat in New Orleans in July is intense, so hydration is critical.
- Dress Code is Mandatory: Wear all white. A red sash and bandana (pañuelo) are not just for show—they complete the traditional look and make for the best photos.
- Arrive Early: The pre-run festivities start at 6:30 a.m. Getting there early allows you to soak up the atmosphere and secure a good spot before the streets get packed.
- Hydrate (Water First): While New Orleans is famous for its cocktails, remember it’s a hot, humid morning. Alternate your celebratory drinks with plenty of water.
- Watch for the RollerBulls: They are fast and they will hit you. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are near the front or back of the pack.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be doing a lot of running, standing, and dancing on city streets. Leave the flip-flops at the hotel.
The NOLA Running of the Bulls is a testament to New Orleans’ unique ability to take an intense global tradition and transform it into a safe, hilarious, and high-energy party. Whether you are running from the RollerBulls or cheering from the sidelines, the 2025 San Fermin in Nueva Orleans promises a wild, unforgettable experience.
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