Ernest Hemingway is largely responsible for the international popularity of the San Fermin festival. His descriptions of the festivities are central to the plot of his first successful novel, “The Sun Also Rises” (1926). This popular book launched Hemingway’s career as a novelist and brought the tradition of the running of the bulls to the attention of the English-speaking world.

The Nobel Prize winning author came to Pamplona eight times after his thrilling first visit in 1923. He even returned in 1953 and 1959, after his involvement in the Spanish Civil War and WWII. Befitting his famously volatile and passionate temperament, Hemingway participated fully in the exuberance of the festivities, running with the bulls, watching the bull fights, making friends with locals and famous toreros and indulging in plenty of wine and sangria.

Interestingly, Pamplona’s local newspaper, Diario de Navarra, does not mention the famous author until January 19th, 1946, after his novel was first translated into Spanish and given the title “Fiesta.”

In 1957 the Hollywood producer, Darryl Zanucka, filmed on location in Pamplona for an movie adaptation of The Sun Also Rises, starring Ava Gardner and Errol Flynn. The increasing number of films, documentaries and media attention brought more tourists to Pamplona, the small capital of Navarra. Nowadays, over a million people are expected to participate in the event each year.

Restaurants, bars and hotels proudly claim the honor of Hemingway’s presence. The Hotel Perla was his residence of choice when staying in Pamplona. Café Iruña was also one of Hemingway’s favorite haunts, where the famous alcoholic had many a drink. The café, one of many with outdoor seating on the central Plaza del Castillo, boasts a life-size bronze statue of the author.

Other celebrated figures have followed Hemingway to Pamplona: film director Orson Welles, the playwright Arthur Miller, the photographer Inge Morat, Nobel Literature Laureate Derek Walcott, and director Woody Allen.

Hemingway Home Museum The website of Hemingway's house in Key West.

Tours around the Hemingway´s life in Pamplona Hemingway and the Route of Hemingway (the HemingWAY) in Pamplona.

The Hemingway Society - website of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation.

Timeless Hemingway - Photos and quotes. A good resource for travelers interested in key Hemingway destinations.

Hemingway and Pamplona - From Pamplona's official city website (in English)