About The Fiesta
The Fiesta de San FermÃn, commonly known as Sanfermines, is an iconic festival celebrated annually from July 6th to July 14th in Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. Renowned globally for its blend of cultural tradition, religious devotion, and thrilling excitement, the festival is best known for the Encierro, or the Running of the Bulls. Every July, Pamplona attracts over a million visitors from around the world eager to witness or participate in this legendary celebration, turning hotels in Pamplona into highly sought-after accommodations.
2024 Riau-Riau in Pamplona
Origins and Historical Significance
San FermÃn honors the patron saint of Navarra, Saint FermÃn, who was born in Pamplona during the 3rd century. After converting to Christianity, FermÃn was ordained in France and eventually martyred on September 25th. Initially, the festivities were held in October, but due to inclement autumn weather, the festival moved to July in 1591, coinciding with Pamplona’s annual fairs and market events. This shift transformed Sanfermines into the vibrant summer celebration we recognize today.
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The festival gained global prominence largely due to Ernest Hemingway’s novel "The Sun Also Rises," which vividly portrayed the festivities and the bull runs. Hemingway’s depiction elevated San FermÃn to international acclaim, associating Pamplona indelibly with the thrilling spectacle of the bull run Spain is famous for.
Chupinazo (Txupinazo, Opening Ceremony)
Escalera de San Fermín: Year-Round Anticipation
Excitement for the fiesta builds continuously throughout the year in Pamplona. Starting January 1st, locals celebrate the Escalera de San Fermín (Staircase of San Fermín). On the seventh day of each month, the countdown to July 7th is marked with communal celebrations. The traditional song captures this ongoing excitement:
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Uno de enero, dos de febrero, tres de marzo, cuatro de abril,
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Cinco de mayo, seis de junio, siete de julio, ¡San Fermín!
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A Pamplona hemos de ir, con una media, con una media,
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A Pamplona hemos de ir, con una media y un calcetín.
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Chupinazo: Explosive Opening Ceremony
The festival officially begins with the Chupinazo, a dramatic and eagerly anticipated opening ceremony at noon on July 6th. Crowds dressed in traditional white attire and red scarves (pañuelos) gather tightly in Plaza Consistorial. Bull runners traditionally tie their pañuelos in a slipknot. Precisely at noon, an official launches a rocket (Chupinazo) from the balcony of the City Hall, sparking jubilation among thousands chanting:
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"¡Pamploneses, Pamplonesas, Viva San FermÃn! ¡Gora San FermÃn!"
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Champagne and sangria immediately drench the celebrants, marking a jubilant and unforgettable start.
Encierro: The Running of the Bulls
The festival officially begins with the Chupinazo, a dramatic and eagerly anticipated opening ceremony at noon on July 6th. Crowds dressed in traditional white attire and red scarves (pañuelos) gather tightly in Plaza Consistorial. Bull runners traditionally tie their pañuelos in a slipknot. Precisely at noon, an official launches a rocket (Chupinazo) from the balcony of the City Hall, sparking jubilation among thousands chanting:
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"¡Pamploneses, Pamplonesas, Viva San FermÃn! ¡Gora San FermÃn!"
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Champagne and sangria immediately drench the celebrants, marking a jubilant and unforgettable start.
Religious Observances: San Fermín Procession
Amid the excitement, the festival maintains deep religious roots. On July 7th, a solemn procession honors Saint FermÃn, with thousands accompanying the saint's statue through the historic streets. Clergy, city officials, and bands lead devotees who passionately chant:
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"¡Viva San FermÃn! ¡Gora San FermÃn!"
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This procession provides a reflective and spiritual dimension, underscoring the festival’s religious significance.
Riau-Riau: Tradition
The Riau-Riau is a cherished tradition in Pamplona, Spain, marking the commencement of the San FermÃn Festival. This festive procession, though not officially listed in the festival's program, takes place on July 6th, long after the opening ceremony known as El Chupinazo.
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Historical Background
The Riau-Riau tradition began in 1914 and continued as an official San FermÃn event through the mid-1990s. It was periodically suspended due to issues with crowd control and protesters blocking the streets but has since been reinstated, much to the delight of Pamploneses and festival-goers.
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The Procession
Historically, Pamplona's city councilors would march from City Hall to the Church of San Lorenzo, dedicated to Saint FermÃn, covering a distance of approximately 500 meters. Accompanied by hundreds of local residents, the procession moves slowly to the rhythm of the Astrain Waltz, with participants chanting "riau-riau" in unison. The crowd intends to delay the procession of city officials. As the crowds grow larger each year, this animated procession can take hours to slowly crawl through the streets of Pamplona.
The Astrain Waltz and Its Lyrics
The Astrain Waltz, composed by Miguel Astrain Remón in the 19th century, serves as the musical backdrop for the Riau-Riau procession. The lyrics, titled "La AlegrÃa de Pamplona" ("The Joy of Pamplona"), were penned in 1928 by MarÃa Isabel Hualde RedÃn. Participants sing these lyrics during the procession, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Lyrics of "La AlegrÃa de Pamplona"
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(Spanish)
"Porque llegaron las fiestas
de esta gloriosa ciudad,
que son en el mundo entero
unas fiestas sin igual.
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¡Riau-Riau!
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Estribillo: ¡Pamploneses! ¡Viva San FermÃn! Gora San FermÃn!
Porque van a dar comienzo
las fiestas de San FermÃn,
porque llegó el seis de julio,
fecha hermosa para mÃ.
¡Riau-Riau!"
Fireworks and Evening Celebrations
Every evening, spectacular fireworks competitions illuminate Pamplona’s skies from Citadel Park, drawing large, appreciative crowds. This nightly event enhances the festival’s joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
Peñas: Soul of the Festival
Peñas, local social clubs, are essential to the lively atmosphere during Sanfermines. La Única Peña, Pamplona's oldest existing peña, is particularly revered. In 2022, Dennis Clancey, one of Encierro's guides, was invited to join La Única Peña, a significant honor. These groups energize the festivities with music, dance, Basque traditions, and lively street performances.
Giants and Big-Heads: Traditional Parades
The Gigantes y Cabezudos (Giants and Big-Heads) parade delights festival-goers daily. Enormous, colorful figures representing historical kings and queens dance gracefully through Pamplona, amusing both children and adults and maintaining a treasured local tradition.
Culinary Delights of Sanfermines
The festival provides an extraordinary gastronomic experience, showcasing Navarra’s rich culinary heritage. Streets brim with flavorful pintxos, regional specialties like chistorra sausage, hearty stews, and renowned local wines, particularly Navarra’s celebrated rosés. Pamplona Spain restaurants see significant patronage, enriching the fiesta experience.
Practical Tips: Safety, Health, and Logistics
Participants should thoroughly understand the rules of running with bulls, avoid alcohol during participation in the Pamplona bull run, remain vigilant against petty crime, and respect local traditions. Medical facilities and emergency services are well-prepared, ensuring prompt attention to injuries or health concerns.
Pobre de Mí: The Emotional Closing
Sanfermines concludes poignantly at midnight on July 14th with the "Pobre de MÃ" ceremony. Thousands gather solemnly in Plaza Consistorial, holding candles and singing mournfully:
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Pobre de mÃ, pobre de mÃ, que se han acabado las fiestas de San FermÃn.
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In English:
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Poor me, poor me, for the fiestas of San FermÃn have ended.
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Sadness quickly transitions to hopeful anticipation as participants chant optimistically:
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"¡Ya falta menos!" ("It's closer now!")
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Immediately, excitement and anticipation build anew for next year’s celebrations.
Pobre de Mi
Global Cultural Impact
The Fiesta de San FermÃn encapsulates Navarra’s vibrant traditions, cultural richness, and community spirit, resonating profoundly with locals and international visitors alike. Pamplona’s streets become a vibrant testament to life, celebration, courage, and camaraderie, solidifying Sanfermines as a global cultural phenomenon.
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The daily event schedule during the Fiesta de San FermÃn in Pamplona is rich with traditions, festivities, and activities that attract visitors from around the globe. From July 6th through July 14th, the city is alive with excitement, culture, and celebration. Here's an overview of the typical daily schedule:
SCHEDULE
July 6th: Chupinazo (Opening Ceremony)
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12:00 Noon: The fiesta officially kicks off with the launching of the Chupinazo rocket from the balcony of Pamplona's City Hall in Plaza Consistorial, signaling the start of the festivities. Thousands gather wearing white attire and red scarves, chanting joyfully as champagne and sangria fill the air.
Special Events
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July 7th: San Fermín Procession – A religious procession honoring Saint Fermín begins at 10:00 AM from the Capilla de San Fermín in the Iglesia San Lorenzo, navigating the historic center amidst devout crowds chanting “¡Viva San Fermín! ¡Gora San Fermín!”.
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July 14th: Pobre de Mí – At midnight, marking the end of the festivities, participants gather in Plaza Consistorial holding candles and singing the somber tune "Pobre de mí," signifying the closing of the festival.
July 7th-14th: Daily Events
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Each day is filled with recurring events:
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6:45 AM: Dianas – Early morning music bands roam the streets, waking participants and signaling the start of another festive day.
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8:00 AM: Encierro (Running of the Bulls) – The iconic bull run starts at Calle Santo Domingo, continuing along Mercaderes, the famed Estafeta street, through Telefonica, and into the bullring.
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9:30 AM: Gigantes y Cabezudos Parade – Giants and Big-Heads parade through the streets, entertaining families with their playful interactions.
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11:00 AM: Traditional Basque sports and cultural exhibitions are held at Plaza de los Fueros, showcasing local athletic competitions and customs.
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12:00 Noon: Concerts, folk performances, and cultural shows take place across various plazas, including Plaza del Castillo, enriching the festival’s atmosphere.
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1:30 PM: Vermut – A social hour in local bars and restaurants, offering pintxos and regional wines as attendees mingle and enjoy local cuisine.
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6:30 PM: Corrida de Toros (Bullfight) – Traditional bullfights held in Pamplona's Plaza de Toros, featuring renowned bullfighters.
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9:00 PM: Evening concerts and cultural events continue, providing entertainment for all ages.
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11:00 PM: Fireworks Competition – Spectacular fireworks are launched nightly from Ciudadela Park, creating breathtaking displays visible across the city.
Throughout the Festival
Local social clubs, known as Peñas, including La Única Peña—the oldest in Pamplona—continuously energize the streets with vibrant music, dance, and cultural performances. These clubs form the festival's heartbeat, inviting visitors into Pamplona’s festive community spirit.
The Fiesta de San FermÃn daily event schedule captures the essence of Navarra's cultural heritage and the lively spirit that makes Pamplona's celebrations an unforgettable global attraction.
You asked, we answered. your fiesta starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Running of the Bulls?The Running of the Bulls is an adrenaline-packed event held during the San FermÃn Festival in Pamplona, Spain. Participants run through narrow streets ahead of a group of 6 bulls and 6 steers. The Bull Run Festival Pamplona celebrates each year has occurred in July since the year 1591.
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When does the Running of the Bulls take place?The Running of the Bulls occurs every year from noon on July 6th to midnight on July 14th during the San FermÃn Festival. The runs take place every morning at 8 AM sharp.
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Is the Running of the Bulls dangerous?Yes, the Running of the Bulls can be dangerous due to the risk of injury from the bulls or falls during the run. We strongly recommend safety precautions, including wearing proper clothing and following the official rules of the event.
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Can anyone participate in the Running of the Bulls?Anyone over the age of 18 can participate in the bull run Spain expects they meet the event’s safety requirements. We recommend a level of fitness and caution when deciding to take part. The bull run experts at Encierro help runners prepare.
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Can I visit Pamplona outside of the Running of the Bulls?Absolutely! Pamplona, Spain is a beautiful city to visit year-round. Outside of the Running of the Bulls, you can enjoy its historic sites, parks, and the nearby Pyrenees mountains. We can help you plan your trip to Pamplona at any time of year, given our decades of experience.
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How do I get tickets for the Running of the Bulls?Tickets for the event are not necessary. Running is free. Spectators are encouraged to reserve a bull balcony spot above the route. Encierro can help you rent a balcony and provide information on where to watch or participate.
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What happens to the bulls after the run?After the bull race in Spain, the bulls are safely corralled into the bullring and six young cows are released into the bullring (Plaza de Toros). There are many other events during the Running of the Bulls Festival.
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Are there any age restrictions for the Running of the Bulls?While there are no official age restrictions for spectators, the Pamplona bull run expects runners to be at least 18 years of age.
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How can I avoid the crowds during the festival?If you prefer a less crowded experience, you could stay a bit outside the city center and visit Pamplona during off-peak hours. But who wants that? Sure, you can still enjoy the festival’s cultural activities without being in the midst of the largest crowds, but you will certainly miss a lot. Weekdays later in fiesta are often less crowded and offer many of the same Pamplona events.
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Can I watch the Running of the Bulls if I don’t want to participate?Yes! You can watch the Running of the Bulls Pamplona from various vantage points along the route. Many visitors prefer to watch the event safely from the Pamplona balconies. Another spot is atop the facade in front of the old church-turned-museum on Santo Domingo, or from inside the Pamplona bullring
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What is the significance of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona?The event has deep cultural and religious significance, tied to the San FermÃn Festival, honoring the patron saint of Navarra, Saint Fermin. The tradition has been celebrated for centuries.
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How long is the Running of the Bulls route?The route for the Pamplona Running of the Bulls is approximately 825 meters (about half a mile) long. It starts at the city’s bullring and finishes at the Plaza de Toros, where the bulls are corralled.
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What is the Running with Bulls game?The Running with Bulls game is an interactive simulation where players can experience the thrill of running alongside bulls in a virtual environment. This is a great way to get a feel for the event before participating in the real thing.
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How do I find the best places to stay in Pamplona during the festival?We offer personalized recommendations based on your budget, preferences, and proximity to the festival’s events. Let us help you find the best places to stay in Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls.
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Are there any other events during the Bull Run Festival Pamplona?Yes, the Bull Festival Spain includes parades, bullfights, traditional dances, fireworks, and live music. There’s also a lot of cultural activities that celebrate the heritage of Pamplona.
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How do I prepare for the Running of the Bulls?To prepare, it’s important to understand the event’s risks and safety guidelines, SUCH as hiring the experienced bull runners at Encierro. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the route and practicing your bull running speed in tight spaces.
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What types of hotels are available in Pamplona?There are various hotels Pamplona Spain ranging from budget accommodations to luxury hotels. Encierro can help you find the best place to stay, whether you're looking for a hotel close to the action or a more peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
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What should I wear for the Running of the Bulls?Participants traditionally wear a white shirt and white pants with a red bandana and sash. Proper running shoes are essential for safety, and tight-fitting clothing is recommended to avoid trip hazards. The bandana, sash should be tied in a slipknot.
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What is the best time to book hotels in Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls?Since the Running of the Bulls draws thousands of visitors, we recommend booking hotels in Pamplona Spain as early as possible—ideally several months in advance. Availability becomes limited the closer you get to the festival dates. Reach out the experts at Encierro for advice