San Fermin

The Chupinazo, a crucial event signaling the official start of the San Fermín, takes place at noon on July 6. Thousands of people gather in the Plaza Consistorial, filling the air with anticipation and excitement. A rocket firework is launched high into the sky from the balcony of the town hall, and its thunderous sound reverberates throughout the square. This launch marks the opening of the festival, and in an instant, the crowd erupts into cheers. White shirts are stained with sangria, and the scent of wine mingles with the summer air as the curtain rises on nine days of festivities, turning Pamplona into a city that never sleeps.

The Encierro, or bull run, is the most important ritual of the San Fermín festival, taking place every morning at 8:00 a.m. from July 7 to 14. Six fighting bulls (mostly black) and six steers (mainly white and brown) race down an 825-meter course, with hundreds of brave participants running ahead of them. This short yet thrilling event, lasting around three minutes, takes place on a temporary wooden-fenced route 4-5 meters wide in Pamplona's old town. Before running, participants pray three times to a small statue of Saint Fermín, seeking safety. As the ground shakes and the air fills with the sounds of hooves, bells, and collective gasps from spectators, an ancient dance between humans and bulls unfolds, with the scent of fear and adrenaline lingering in the air. Participants under 18 are prohibited, and this traditional event, governed by strict rules, is considered a testament to courage.

On July 7, the festival's religious roots take center stage with the "Procession of San Fermín." A 15th-century statue of Saint Fermín is carried through the old town, accompanied by clergy, civic leaders, dancers, and street performers. This procession, which lasts about an hour and a half, sees thousands of Pamplona residents joining in. The air is filled with the sweet scent of incense and the melodies of traditional jota (an ancient dance), while giant papier-mâché figures known as "Gigantes" tower over the crowd, delighting onlookers as they swirl and dance. The throwing of roses into the Well of Saint Cernin and the tolling of the bell named "Maria" at the cathedral symbolize the solemnity of the festival.

At midnight on July 14, the nine-day festival of fervor concludes with the "Pobre de Mí" ("Poor Me") ceremony. Thousands of people gather in front of the town hall, holding candles, singing the melancholy song, "Pobre de Mí, Pobre de Mí, que se han acabado las fiestas de San Fermín" ("Poor me, poor me, the San Fermín festival has come to an end"). The mayor officially declares the end of the festival, and participants remove their red neckerchiefs (pañuelos). As the last note fades away, fireworks light up the night sky, and their cracking sound serves as a final farewell to the nine-day celebration. This ceremony is a poignant moment, lamenting the end of the festival while vowing to meet again next year.

During the festival, Pamplona becomes a sea of red and white. Participants don traditional attire: white pants and shirts, a red neckerchief (pañuelo), and a red sash (faja). The red scarf symbolizes the martyrdom of Saint Fermín. The streets are filled with the aromas of local cuisine; the sound of savory chorizo sizzling on the grill mingles with the sweet scent of churros con chocolate wafting from food stalls. Local bars are packed with people enjoying pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and kalimotxo (a drink made of red wine and cola). For these nine days, Pamplona becomes a gastronomic celebration, showcasing the richness of Spanish food culture.