San Fermin Festival - Events Calendar |
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The Opening Ceremony "Chupinazo" of the San Fermin Festival which starts in the Plaza Consistorial outside the City Hall at noon July 6th each year. The entire area gets jammed packed in anticipation of the opening rocket which is lit by the mayor at 12:00. It resembles a typical scene at a music festival as everybody is singing, dancing & popping bottles of Champagne & spraying anyone around them. The 1st official Chupinazo took place as far back as 1941 although the locals have been holding their own opening ceremonies since the 20th century. The red pañuelo or neckerchief is worn after the chupinazo until the closing ceremony at midnight on the 14th July. The pañuelo is held above the head, in both hands & all sing the saint´s name. After the rocket goes off, total bedlam breaks out & the pañuelo is tied around the neck until the stroke of midnight on July 14th.
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July 6th - Evening Vespers
A religious service is held on the evening of Jul 6th which is attended by the entire city council at the church of San Lorenzo which proudly holds relics of Pamplona´s patron saint, San Fermin. Vespers are sung by local choir & recordings go back to 15th century.
July 7th -1st Bullrun/Encierro
At 7 a.m. the 1st bullrun takes place on July 7th streets adjoining the route of the running of the bulls are closed off in preparation for the 8 a.m. Bullrun. This day is always very dangerous as it attracts the most runners traditionally. We advise to be in your running position by 7 a.m. as streets get closed off!!
July 7th - 10:30 a.m. - Riau Riau
At 10:30 am on July 7th, the effigy of San Fermin is carried from the church of San Lorenzo & is followed by a procession of the city council dressed in ceremonial regalia, clergy including the bishop of Pamplona & the locals.
July 6th-13th - Encierillo
At night, the bulls are moved from the large corrals accross the river up to the corral at Santo Domingo for the morning´s encierro. Spectators are limited by the City Council & must have a security pass. The Encierillo is signaled by the blowing of a ram´s horn. The only persons in the street are the pastors & herders who work with the bulls. Onlookers observe from the high walls in total silence, anyone making noise or using flash camera would be considered to be distracting the bulls & most likely find themselves in jail with a heftly fined.
July 6th-14th - 9:30 a.m. - Gigantes
Daily the City Giants take to the streets of Pamplona. 8 giants, 4-5 metres in height & first designed by Navarra artist, Tadeo Amorena around 1850´s. they represent the mythical queens & kings of Europe, Africa, America & Asia. The Gigantes dance through the streets of pamplona & are extremely popular with the young children.
July 7th-14th - 7:30 p.m. -Merienda in Bullring
A light late afternoon meal eaten all year round but during festival it is typical to "meriendar" in the Plaza de Toros (bullring) at 7.30 pm after the 3rd of 6 bullfights & washed down with gallons of sangria & kalimotcho.
July 8th-14th - 3:00 a.m. - Caldo Soup
A light consume which is very popular with the bullrunners who have stayed up all night! beware...they start serving at 3 a.m.
July 14 - Closing Ceremony- Pobre de Mí
A beautiful candlelight closing ceremony Pobre de Mi held at the Plaza Consistorial on july 14th. At the stroke of midnight, a rocket is fired to mark the closing of the fiesta & this is when the pañuelo is removed.
Please feel free to email us with any questions you may have.