San Fermín's Ranching Scene in 2025: Álvaro Núñez's Grand Entrance
The much-anticipated San Fermín encierro in 2025 promises to be a celebration filled with excitement and safety, as organisers aim to make it "just fun" while ensuring the use of a security device. This tradition, steeped in history and Spanish culture, takes place in the heart of Pamplona, a city in the Navarra region.
The San Fermín encierro's route, measuring 930 meters long, has been a challenging test for both the brave bulls and the daring participants for centuries. The event, which typically takes approximately 3 minutes to run, has been graced by some of the most renowned fighting bulls in Spain, including those from the Álvaro Núñez livestock.
The Álvaro Núñez breed, a distinguished lineage of fighting bulls, has a rich history that can be traced back to Álvaro Núñez de Lara, a prominent breeder who laid the foundation for this lineage. Over the years, the breed has been connected with the Marqués de Tamarón, who played a significant role in preserving and developing this cattle bloodline.
The brands Morante de la Puebla, Roca Rey, and Tomás Rufo, famous bullfighters or related entities, have historically used bulls from the Álvaro Núñez livestock for their bullfighting events. This collaboration or patronage relationship underscores the breed’s prestige and quality within the Spanish bullfighting culture.
Looking back at the history of the San Fermín encierros, the livestock has undergone several changes. In 1957, the livestock was acquired by María Francisca Flores Sánchez, and later by the Osborne Domecq brothers. The Osborne Domecq brothers changed the brand, eliminated the cattle they bought, and formed the livestock with cows and bulls from José Luis Osborne Vázquez. In 1982, the livestock was sold to Joaquín Núñez del Cuvillo, who modified the brand and added cattle from five other branches.
In 1985, the livestock was acquired by Sayalero and Bandrés and Torrealta, all Marqués de Domecq. Fast forward to 1989, when Atanasio Fernández acquired a part of the livestock. In 1991, Juan Pedro Domecq acquired a part of the livestock via Domecq Solís.
For the San Fermín 2022, the livestock is owned by Álvaro Núñez, with the DataBrand being green trefoil and grey marengo. Roca Rey, a Peruvian bull seeking his 11th exit through the doors in Pamplona, and Tomás Rufo, born in Toledo and the winner last year, are part of this year's San Fermín 2022 livestock.
In addition to the safety measures, Pamplona will apply 1,500 liters of anti-slip agent on the San Fermín encierros route to ensure the safety of all participants. The names of the runners who have lost their lives in San Fermín are engraved on the Encierro Monument in Pamplona, serving as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in this traditional event.
As the San Fermín 2025 encierro approaches, the anticipation builds, not just for the fun and excitement, but also for the continuation of this rich tradition and the unveiling of the new livestock that will take centre stage.
During the San Fermín 2025 encierro, eager spectators can expect the presence of football-loving crowds, as European leagues, particularly LaLiga, might be watching the exciting event, given the city's vibrant football culture and the proximity of the San Fermín encierro route to the Estadio de San Juan, home to CA Osasuna.
The upcoming San Fermín 2025 encierro, a test of bravery for both participants and the brave bulls, will see the participation of renowned fighting bulls from the Álvaro Núñez livestock, a breed with a rich history linked to Spanish bullfighting culture and famed bullfighters like Roca Rey and Tomás Rufo.
