Festival of San Fermín is the biggest festival in Pamplona and one of the most famous in Spain. If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure, packed with emotions, make sure not to miss this celebration. With this in mind, at Renfe we have prepared everything you need to know. So what are you waiting for?
These festivities take place between 6 and 14 July each year in honour of San Fermín, the patron saint of Pamplona. Over the course of this week, the city is transformed into a sea of people and colour. Its streets are filled with tourists and locals who come from all over to enjoy these unique festivities.
It all officially gets started on 6 July at noon with the famous chupinazo. This sees the mayor of the city launch a firework from the balcony of the Town Hall to get the celebrations started. From that moment on, the city becomes a non-stop party.
During the Festival of San Fermín, there are activities to suit all tastes in Pamplona. One of the most popular is the encierro, a bull run that takes place at 8 am every morning. The bulls are released from the corrals and take to the city's streets on their way to the bull ring. This is a unique and exciting, but also a dangerous, experience. If you are interested in participating in the encierro, make sure to take all the necessary precautions to avoid accidents.
However, if bullfighting is not your thing, don't worry, as there are lots of other things to do during the Festival of San Fermín. The streets are filled with music, dancing and games. People have fun in peñas, groups of friends who meet to drink, eat and enjoy the party together. There are also parades and religious processions, as well as paella competitions and wine tastings. Sounds great, right?
There is another aspect that the Festival of San Fermín is known for: the typical clothing. Men wear white shirt and trousers, a red scarf and sash and a scarf tied around their necks. Women wear skirts and a white blouse, sash and red headscarf. This tradition goes back centuries and is a way of showing pride in Navarre's culture and traditions.
And what about gastronomy? The typical food served during the Festival of San Fermín includes the famous pintxos, small portions of food served in bars. The most popular are Spanish omelette, serrano ham and croquettes. You can also sample traditional dishes including beef steak and lamb al chilindrón. And make sure not to leave without trying the wine of Navarre, considered one of the best in Spain. What else could you need to enjoy this unforgettable experience?
Bear in mind that at this time of year, Pamplona is a very busy city, so if you plan on conventional sightseeing, we recommend you visit at another time of the year. Discover the must-see attractions in Pamplona and make the most of your well-earned holidays
So, are you ready to visit Pamplona during the Festival of San Fermín? Then you're in luck! Discover our routes and arrive at Pamplona-Iruña station ready to enjoy one of Spain's most characteristic festivities.