El Encierro: The Running of the Bulls

The first ever Encierro (bull run) of San Fermin in Nueva Orleans took place on Saturday, July 7th 2007 at 8am in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the same day the original Spanish event took place in Pamplona. Close to 200 participants arrived on that fateful day, and were promptly chased and "gored" by 14 "RollerBulls".

The second ever Encierro took place Saturday July 12, 2008, only this time we had 33 RollerBulls", over 600 runners, 30 Rolling Elvi, and hundreds of spectators! Growing exponentially we saw our numbers in 2009 jump to 4,000 participants with over 80 RollerBulls from 4 teams in 3 states in hot pursuit!

The Encierro of 2010 is scheduled for Saturday July 10 at precisely 8am.

The event will replicate and pay homage to the world famous Encierro of Pamplona, Spain, aka The Running of the Bulls, only our bulls are members of New Orleans’ all-female flat-track derby team the Big Easy Rollergirls and select participants from other rollerderby leagues across the country!

The event will “officially” begin at 7am at the Three Legged Dog bar on the corner of Conti Street and Burgundy Street in the French Quarter section of New Orleans. Sangria, Stella Artois beer, Spanish wines, and good cheer will be available.

There will be a special guest appearance by New Orleans' own Rolling Elvi!

At precisely 8am the run will begin. View the route.

The run will end at the Ernst Café, where more Sangria, beer, Spanish wine, tapas and good cheer will be available.

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That’s when the party starts, probably right around 8:15am. Dr Gumbo's Spanish Soundsystem will open up for Javier Gutierrez and Acoustic Swiftness, and a general block-party will ensue.

RUNNERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR (ANY KIND OF) WHITE SHIRT, WHITE PANTS OR SHORTS, AND A PIECE OF RED CLOTH ABOUT THE WAIST AND NECK. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RULES!

The Encierro is free and requires no registration -- just show up and RUN!