Patron Saint Festivities of San Sebastián de los Reyes and Bull Runs

Festivities in Honor of Christ of the Remedies

The festivities in honor of Christ of the Remedies are a popular celebration that takes place in the city of San Sebastián de los Reyes, a municipality located in the Community of Madrid. These festivities are held to pay tribute to Christ of the Remedies, a religious image venerated by the town's inhabitants.

The exact date of the festivities may vary, but they generally take place during the second half of August. During this period, the city is filled with activities and events for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

The festivities typically include a wide range of activities, such as religious processions where the image of Christ of the Remedies is carried through the streets on a litter, accompanied by music and traditional dances. These processions are an important moment for the devotees who gather to express their faith and gratitude.

In addition to the religious aspect, the celebrations also have a more playful and festive character. During this time, concerts, dance performances, fairs, sports competitions, and cultural events are held. The streets are decorated with festive ornaments, and attractions and food stalls are set up for everyone's enjoyment.

One of the highlights of the festivities in San Sebastián de los Reyes is the "encierro," a bull running event similar to the famous "encierros" of San Fermín in Pamplona. During the encierro, brave participants run ahead of the bulls, which are driven from the corrals to the bullring.

The Bull Runs of San Sebastián de los Reyes

The bull runs of San Sebastián de los Reyes are a bullfighting tradition dating back over 500 years. They are celebrated during the festivities in honor of the Holy Christ of the Remedies in the second half of August. The bull run covers a distance of 820 meters and runs through various streets of the city. The fierce bulls are driven from the corrals to the bullring by brave runners. The average duration of the runs is two minutes and fifteen seconds. While caution and experience are recommended, thousands of people participate in this thrilling event every year.

Current Route of the Bull Runs

The current bull run of San Sebastián de los Reyes, established in 2003, has a length of 820 meters and an average elevation of 674 meters above sea level. It has a width that varies between 6 and 9 meters and is divided into nine sections, running through various streets, including Leopoldo Gimeno, Real Vieja, Postas, Real, Estafeta, avenida de la Plaza de Toros, and the bullring.

The average duration of the runs is two minutes and fifteen seconds, making it difficult for a single runner to complete the entire route. Experts suggest that beginners choose the first sections, where there is more space, and the speed of the herd can be better estimated. More experienced runners typically prefer the last sections, although, due to the increasing number of participants, seeing the herd in advance and "catching a bull" has become more challenging nowadays.

Origin and History of the Bull Runs

Five hundred years ago, in the year 1525, the first documents attesting to the tradition of the bull runs of San Sebastián de los Reyes are found. The history dates back to that time when a provision by Charles V requested the return of payments made by the residents during their festivities, including those related to the "encierros de toros" (bull runs). Since then, this city has become a reference in popular bullfighting celebrations.

Each year, thousands of people attend the festivities in honor of the Holy Christ of the Remedies, held during the last week of August. The bull runs begin with the launching of a rocket at 8 in the morning, although the schedule was changed to 11 in the morning in 2015. The fierce bulls, accompanied by lead oxen, cover 820 meters through the streets of Leopoldo Gimeno, Real Vieja, Postas, Real, and Estafeta. This exciting spectacle attracts visitors from all over.

What to See in San Sebastián de los Reyes

San Sebastián de los Reyes, located in the Community of Madrid, offers various interesting places to visit. Some of the highlighted points of interest are:

• Historic Center: Explore the charm of the old town with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
• Plaza de la Constitución: It is the heart of the city, where the Town Hall and the parish church of San Sebastián Mártir are located.
• Parish Church of San Sebastián Mártir: This neoclassical-style temple is worth a visit for its architecture and historical value.
• Monument to the Bull Run: Located in the bullring, it is a sculpture that pays homage to the city's bullfighting tradition.
• Parque de la Marina: An ideal green space for walking, sports, or enjoying a picnic.
• Plaza Norte 2 Shopping Center: For shopping enthusiasts, this modern shopping center offers a wide variety of stores and restaurants.
• Dehesa Boyal: A nearby natural park where you can enjoy nature and go hiking.
• "El Caserón" Ethnographic Museum: A museum showcasing the history and traditions of the region.
• Municipal Auditorium: A cultural space where events and shows are held.

These are just some options of what you can see and do in San Sebastián de los Reyes. The city offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment for visitors.

What to Eat in San Sebastián de los Reyes

San Sebastián de los Reyes, being part of the Community of Madrid, offers a delicious variety of typical dishes from Spanish and Madrilenian cuisine. Here are some food options you can try in San Sebastián de los Reyes:

• Cocido Madrileño: An emblematic dish of Madrid, it consists of a stew of chickpeas with pork, beef, chorizo, and vegetables. It is served in three courses: broth, chickpeas, and meats.
• Callos a la Madrileña: A traditional dish made with tripe (pork stomach) cooked with chorizo, blood sausage, ham, and chickpeas.
• Bocadillo de Calamares: A classic of Madrid fast food, the squid sandwich is a delicious option you can try at local bars and restaurants.
• Churros with Chocolate: A delicious breakfast or snack, churros are served with a thick cup of hot chocolate for dipping.
• Tortilla Española: Potato omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and onions, it is a simple and tasty dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
• Rabo de Toro: A traditional oxtail stew cooked slowly until the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
• Cochinillo Asado: A specialty of the region, the suckling pig is roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy.
• Assorted Tapas: Like throughout Spain, in San Sebastián de los Reyes, you will also find a wide variety of tapas to taste, such as "patatas bravas" (spicy potatoes), anchovies in vinegar, olives, among others.
• Madrilenian Sweets: Try some of the traditional sweets of the region, such as "bartolillos" (cream-filled pastries), "rosquillas" (ring-shaped pastries), and "buñuelos" (fried dough balls).
• Local Wine and Beer: Accompany your meals with a good wine from the region or a local beer to complete the gastronomic experience.

Remember that in San Sebastián de los Reyes and its surroundings, there is a wide gastronomic offering, so do not hesitate to explore and discover new dishes and flavors during your visit.