San Fermin 2024: When It Is, Activities and Origins

Have you ever dreamt of experiencing something packed with excitement, tradition, and festivities? San Fermín 2024 is just around the corner, making it the perfect chance to enjoy one of the most vibrant and thrilling celebrations in the world. In this article, we'll tell you when it is, what to expect, and the origins of this celebration. Keep reading to find out why you can't miss San Fermín!

San Fermín is a festival held annually in Pamplona, the capital of the Navarre region in Spain. The festival is globally renowned for the "encierros" or running of the bulls, events where participants run in front of bulls through the city streets. However, San Fermín is much more than just the bull runs; it's a celebration full of culture, tradition, and joy that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

San Fermín is celebrated every year from July 6th to 14th. The festival officially kicks off at noon on July 6th with the launching of the "chupinazo" rocket from the balcony of Pamplona's Town Hall and concludes at midnight on July 14th with the singing of "Pobre de Mí," a farewell song marking the end of the festivities. During these nine days, Pamplona is filled with activities, events, and celebrations in honor of San Fermín.

The San Fermín festival has its roots in a mix of religious events and commercial fairs dating back to the Middle Ages. San Fermín was the first bishop of Pamplona and is one of Navarre's patron saints. The festivities in honor of San Fermín began as a religious celebration but gradually incorporated popular and secular elements, such as the bull runs and street parties.

During the San Fermín festival, Pamplona transforms into a stage for a wide array of activities and events. Here are some of the highlights:

The festival officially begins at noon on July 6th with the launching of the "chupinazo," a rocket fired from the balcony of Pamplona's Town Hall. This event marks the start of the festivities and gathers a massive crowd in the Town Hall Square.

One of the most iconic events of San Fermín is the running of the bulls, held every morning from July 7th to 14th. Participants run in front of the bulls along an 849-meter route from Santo Domingo corrals to Pamplona's bullring.

On July 7th, a procession in honor of San Fermín takes place, winding through the streets of Pamplona's old town. Additionally, masses and other religious events are held throughout the week.

Each afternoon after the bull runs, bullfights are held in Pamplona's bullring, where matadors face the bulls that participated in the morning's run.

During San Fermin, Pamplona offers a multitude of cultural, gastronomic, and leisure activities. Parades of "gigantes y cabezudos" (giant and big-headed figures), music, dance, and theater performances, as well as rural sports, are just some of the options available. Craft stalls in Taconera Park and the rich gastronomic offerings, such as chocolate with churros and Pamplona's famous pintxos, are also highlights. Visits to the San Fermin chapel and guided tours of the bull run route are must-dos. The entrances and exits of the "peñas" (social clubs) at the bullring, along with music and dance on multiple stages, culminate each night with a spectacular fireworks show in the Ciudadela park.

San Fermín is a celebration that draws people from all over the world with its blend of tradition, culture, and excitement. For nine days in July, Pamplona becomes a lively stage filled with activities that reflect the festive spirit of this iconic celebration. If you're looking for a unique and energetic experience, San Fermín 2024 is an event you can't miss. See you in Pamplona!