Cuéllar Running of the Bulls Festival in honour of Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Cuéllar holds a patronal festival in late August and early September whose defining feature is its traditional encierros. The Segovian town brings together the movement of fighting cattle from the countryside, the urban run and bullring events with devotion to Nuestra Señora del Rosario, music and the life of its peñas.
Usual dates
The principal opening is normally held on the final Saturday of August and the programme continues into the first days of September. Preliminary events may begin earlier, and the exact dates change each year.
Where it takes place
Events occupy Cuéllar's historic centre, Plaza Mayor, Paseos de San Francisco, the bullring, Capilla de Santo Tomé and Iglesia de San Miguel. During the encierro, cattle travel from the countryside into the town and bullring, while mounted escorts, runners and the organising teams have distinct roles.
A recognised tradition
The council describes the Encierros de Cuéllar as the oldest in Spain and notes their International Tourist Interest status. Their continuity depends on organisers, peñas, volunteers, council services, security teams, civil protection and local residents.
Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the opening
The Bajada de la Virgen, Mass, procession and civic opening place Nuestra Señora del Rosario at the heart of the festival. The opening address, the Corregidora and her Damas, the ringing of the town hall bell and a performance of «A por Ellos» all belong to its public ceremony.
Encierros, music and peñas
- Morning encierros, probadillas and bullring events involving the livestock farms announced for each edition.
- Dawn music, street parades, dulzainas and the baile de rueda before and after each run.
- Peñas and pandas with brass bands, social rounds, games, competitions and children's activities.
- Concerts, orchestras, street theatre, giants and cabezudos across the town.
Responsible participation
The festival brings together people from Cuéllar, peñas, runners, mounted escorts and visitors. The council expressly asks everyone to behave prudently and respectfully and to follow the organisers' and emergency services' directions, especially during the encierros.
Sources
Today's international trade fair
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