The San Fermín Festival is a celebration that occurs annually in the city of Pamplona, Navarre, SSpain. It occurs from July 6th to July 14th. It is celebrated in honor of Saint Fermín, the city’s first bishop. Many popular events of the festival include the daily Running of the Bulls, fireworks, the comparsa, and parades.
The History of San Fermín
The history behind the San Fermín festival goes back before records existed. It is said to be “as old as the cult to the saint is in Pamplona.”(Sanfermin.com) San Fermín was said to have lived in the 3rd century as a Christian. There is a story that on a preaching voyage, Fermín was killed in the year 303 AD. So religious ceremonies began to take place honouring the saint on October 10th. However, in 1591, mostly due to convenience with the weather, the festivities were moved to July 7th, beginning the modern San Fermín Festival.
What Happens in the San Fermín Festivities?
Every year, hundreds of tourists come to witness and participate in the festivities. It begins on July 6th at midday with a firework called Chupinazo. It marks the beginning of the celebration.
On the second day, July 7th, they start the festivities by honoring Saint Fermín by walking around the old part of Pamplona with his statue.
On July 14th, the last day of the festival, people gather in the City plaza at midnight singing Pobre de mí. The mayor then ends the festival with candle lighting and fireworks.
Arguably the most famous thing in the celebrations is the Running of the Bulls. Each day, hundreds of people run in front of bulls down a 825 metre section of road in Pamplona. Before each race, runners gather and sing a chant asking for the protection of the Saint. If you are not one who would like to run with the bulls, you can watch from many balconies or from behind a safe fence at the start and finish. It begins at 8 in the morning with firecrackers symbolizing the release of the bulls. However, it can be deadly as in 100 years, 10 people have died. However, most injuries are minor due to falling. It is definitely a fun and exciting event to see!
Additional Information
Each day there are many firework shows and contests! Such as at Citadel Park or at the Plaza Conde Rodezno. So if you happen to be there for the celebration, it is a must to see one of these.
Each night there are many parties to choose from! These include concerts at the Plaza de los Fueros, or the Plaza de la Cruz, or even the Plaza del Castillo! And that’s just to name a few. There are marching bands everyday too!
Book Now!
If you are interested in attending, I would advise to book now so you can claim your spot among the festivities! It fills up very fast, and many things such as lodging, events, and transportation fill up fast with such a popular celebration. If you happen to be in the area of Pamplona during the festival, you must make the journey here. It is like nowhere else in the world!
Works Cited
“Running of the Bulls® Official Schedule | San Fermin Festival Schedule.” Runningofthebulls.com, 2024, www.runningofthebulls.com/about/running-of-the-bulls-schedule/?srsltid=AfmBOoo8XLgP53WDvxTSuvdpaK9hhNVibOKmnBfdJb_Z-pXX7lwW-Q49. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
“San Fermin Festival | Visit Navarra Official Website of the Navarre Tourist Board.” Visitnavarra.es, 28 Jan. 2025, www.visitnavarra.es/en/san-fermin. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
“San Fermín History – Sanfermin.com.” Sanfermin.com, 16 May 2017, www.sanfermin.com/en/party-guide/history/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.