FIESTA (en inglés)
http://www.turismo.navarra.es/eng/propuestas/san-fermines/
Fiestas of San Fermin
From July 6th to 14th every year the word fiesta is written in capital letters in Pamplona. The Sanfermines
have arrived. When the chupinazo (ceremonial rocket) is fired the city explodes into life. Thousands of
people from all over the world descend on the city, which dresses up in red and white. For nine days the
streets turn into a feast of friendship, joy, music and non-stop partying, to the rhythm of the charangas and
the peñas.
The Encierro (Bull Run) is the only moment of the day when the party stops, and great tension descends on
the route just a few minutes before the bulls start their 'race' behind the mozos (young men). The surge of
emotions culminates in the bullring at the end of the run. The fiesta continues with caldico (clear broth)
chocolate with churros (long doughnuts), the Gigantes (ceremonial giants) and Cabezudos (carnival figures
with big heads), the aperitif, the bullfight in the evening, or the fireworks at night. These then give way to
all-night partying.
The bulls
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The bulls
Encierro
Apartado
Mulillas
Corrida
Encierrillo
Ranches
History of
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La fiesta
The saint
Hemingway
Practical Information
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Programme of events
Frequently asqued questions
Visit Pamplona
Pamplona Tourist Office
San Femin – The Universal Fiesta
And after the fiesta... comes the calm. After experiencing this world-famous fiesta, what better
way to enjoy a deserved rest by visiting one the most welcoming parts of Navarre. Relax in the
green Pyrenees, stroll through leafy oak and beech woods, or swim in a crystal-clear river. If you
prefer, head south to meet the warm and friendly people of La Ribera and the plains under the
hot sun, and enjoy the gastronomy of the Ebro valley.
The bulls
Texto Alternativo en English
The bull is undeniably one of the main protagonists of the Sanfermines. These fighting bulls and
the mozos (young men) come together at 8 a.m. every morning of the fiesta for the Encierro,
the best-known event of Pamplona's fiesta. The bullfight takes place in the evening, a spectacle
in which the contrast between the silence of the spectators in the seats in the sombra (shade)
contrasts with the noise and rollicking of the peñas (social clubs) in the sol (sun) area. Just after
nightfall the Encierrillo takes place. In a surprising atmosphere of quietness and without
runners, the bulls are sent from the 'corrales del gas' to the corral in calle Santo Domingo, the
starting point of the bull run.
The Bulls... The Encierro
The Encierro is the event at the heart of the Sanfermines and makes the fiesta a spectacle
that would be unimaginable in any other place in the world. It was born from need: getting the
bulls from outside the city into the bullring. The encierro takes place from July 7th to 14th and
starts at the corral in Calle Santo Domingo when the clock on the church of San Cernin strikes
eight o'clock in the morning. After the launching of two rockets, the bulls charge behind the
runners for 825 metres, the distance between the corral and the bullring. The run usually lasts
between three and four minutes although it has sometimes taken over ten minutes, especially if
one of the bulls has been isolated from his companions. How to see the bull run.
 Chants to San Fermín
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 Rockets in the bullring
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 A fence of 3,000 parts
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 The role of the pastores
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 The dobladores
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 The two groups of mansos (bullocks)
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 Useful information about the bull run
Chants to San Fermín
The bull run has a particularly emotional prelude. It is when the runners, just a
few metres up the slope from the corral where the bulls are waiting, raise their
rolled newspapers and chant to an image of San Fermín placed in a small recess
in the wall in the Cuesta de Santo Domingo. Against the strongest of silences,
the following words can be heard: "A San Fermín pedimos, por ser nuestro
patrón, nos guíe en el encierro dándonos su bendición." (We ask San Fermín,
being our patron saint, to guide us in the bull run and give us his blessing).
When they finish they shout "¡Viva San Fermín! ¡Gora San Fermín!." This chant
is sung three times before 8 a.m.: first, when there are five minutes to go
before 8 o'clock, then three minutes and one minute before the gate of the
corral is opened.
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Rockets in the bullring
The third rocket, fired from the bullring, signals that all the bulls have entered
the bullring. A fourth and final rocket indicates that all the bulls are safely in
the corral located inside the bullring, and that the bull run has ended.
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A fence of 3,000 parts
Pamplona. Encierro (Bull Run)
For security reasons, a double fence marks out the route of the bull run through
the streets. It is made of over 3,000 wooden parts (planks, posts, gates, etc.).
Part of the fence stays put throughout the fiesta but other sections are
assembled and disassembled every day by a special brigade of workers.
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The role of the pastores
A large number of pastores (bull 'shepherds') cover the entire bull run. They
place themselves behind the bulls, with their only protection being a long stick.
Their main role is to stop the odd idiot from inciting the bulls from behind, to
avoid the bulls turning round and running backwards, and to help any bulls that
have stopped or have been separated from their companions to continue
running towards the bullring.
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The dobladores
Other key people in the bull run are the dobladores, people with good
bullfighting knowledge (sometimes ex-bullfighters) who take up position in the
bullring with capes to help the runners 'fan out' (in other words, run to the sides
after they enter the bullring) and 'drag' the bulls towards the corral as quickly
as possible.
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The two groups of mansos (bullocks)
The six fighting bulls that will take part in the evening bullfight start the run
accompanied by an initial group of mansos, which act as 'guides' to help the
bulls cover the route. Two minutes after leaving the corral in Santo Domingo, a
second group of bullocks (the so-called 'sweep-up" group), which are slower and
smaller than the first one, are let out to lead any bulls that might have stopped
or been left behind in the bull run towards the bullring.
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Useful information about the bull run
Pamplona. Encierro (Bull Run)
The encierro is an unrepeatable experience for spectators and runners alike. It
is a spectacle that is defined by the level of risk and the physical ability of the
runners.
An inexperienced runner should learn about the characteristics of this
dangerous 'race' (although it should not be considered as a race) before
starting, and also about the protective measures to be taken for his/her own
safety and that of the people running alongside.
Not everyone can run the encierro. It requires cool nerves, quick reflexes and a
good level of physical fitness. Anyone who does not have these three should not
take part; it is a highly risky enterprise.
Runners should start somewhere between the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall
Square) and the pink-slab Education building in the Cuesta of Santo Domingo,
and they should be there before 7.30 a.m. because entry to the run is closed
from that time on. The rest of the run, except for the stretch mentioned
above, must be completely clear of runners until a few minutes before 8 a.m.
What is not allowed in the bull run
1. People under 18 years of age, who must not run or participate.
2. Crossing police barriers placed to ensure that the run goes off
smoothly.
3. Standing in areas and places along the route that have been
expressly prohibited by the municipal police force.
4. Before the bulls are released, waiting in corners, blind spots,
doorways or in entrances to other establishments located
along the run.
5. Leaving doors of shops or entrances to apartments open along
the route. The responsibility for ensuring these doors are
closed lies with the owners or tenants of the properties.
6. Being in the bull run while drunk, under the effects of drugs or
in any other improper manner.
7. Carrying objects that are unsuitable for the run to take place
correctly.
8. Wearing inappropriate clothes or footwear for the run.
9. Inciting the bulls or attracting their attention in any manner,
and for whatever reason, along the route of the run or in the
bullring.
10. Running backwards towards the bulls or running behind them.
11. Holding, harassing or maltreating the bulls and stopping them
from moving or being led to the pens in the bullring.
12. Stopping along the run and staying on the fence, barriers or in
doorways in such a way that the run or the safety of other
runners is jeopardised.
13. Taking photographs inside the run, or from the fences or
barriers without due authorisation.
14. Carrying objects that are unsuitable for the good order and
security of the bull run.
15. Installing elements that invade horizontal, vertical or aerial
space along the bull run, unless expressly authorised by the
Mayor's Office.
16. Any other action that could hamper the bull run taking place
normally.
The bulls... The apartado
Texto Alternativo en English
The apartado (separation) is when each of the bulls is separated from its companions for the
evening bullfight, following a draw. Aficionados (fans) and onlookers in general can observe the
appearance and the characteristics of the bulls from a balcony. In Pamplona this takes place at
1 p.m. every day of the fiesta in the corral of the bullring. To gain access, you have to go
through the rear entrance Patio de Caballos.
The bulls... Las mulillas
Procession of mulillas to the bullring
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This event is also known as the desfile de caballeros en la plaza (literally, procession of
horsemen to the bullring); It is a curious retinue that covers the short distance between the City
Hall and the bullring at 5.30p.m. from July 7th to 14th. The caballeros, horsemen dressed in
black capes, lead the retinue, followed by two groups of three mulillas (carthorses used to drag
the dead bulls from the bull ring) and a total of 14 mulilleros (attendants). The retinue is
followed by the city's band 'La Pamplonesa' and, at the rear, anyone who wishes to follow them
to the bullring.
The bulls... The corrida
Pamplona. Alguacil (bullfight official)
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In Pamplona the corrida (bullfight) has always been the culmination of the bull run. From July
7th to 14th at 6.30 p.m. a spectacle takes place whose special feature is the crowd. The seats
are distributed between the most orthodox bullfight fans in the shade and the mozos of the
peñas on the sunny side of the ring; the latter play the leading role in the fiesta with their
colour, noise, songs and picnic meals after the third bull has been killed. It is difficult to get a
ticket, because 90% of the crowd are season ticket holders. The easiest way is to queue up and
buy a ticket for the following day at the end of each bullfight.
WHAT´S MORE...
The bulls... The encierrillo
Pamplona. Encierrillo
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This is the transfer of the six fighting bulls the night before the bull run from the corrales del
gas on the other side of the river Arga up to the corral in the Cuesta de Santo Domingo, where
the bull run starts from. The encierrillo is held at 11. p.m. over a distance of 440 metres. In
contrast to the encierro, it is observed in silence without runners in front of the bulls. To see it
you need to get a pass from the Town Hall ten days before the start of the fiesta.
PASSES 2011: from 1st July passes are available in the Area of Culture of Pamplona City Council
(Calle Descalzos, 72)
The bulls... Ranches
Pamplona. The bull
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The best bulls are brought to Pamplona to ensure a high standard. Top ranches such as Cebada
Gago, Miura, Domecq or Jandilla come back year after year to make the bullfight an exciting
event.
If a ranch is contracted to provide bulls for the encierro and the corrida it is a mark of prestige,
although it also involves a great responsibility. Millions of eyes will see the bulls and a wide
range of opinions will be expressed on them.
Certain ranches have always been considered to have certain characteristics when it comes to
the bravery of their bulls. Almost everyone knows that the Miura are dangerous and strong, but
noble in the bullring; the Cebada Gago are dangerous because they are quick-tempered; the
bulls of Jandilla are the boldest, and they always bring passion and drama to the bull run. If you
would like to see the bulls close up, they can be seen in the corralillos del gas during the fiesta
of San Fermín. Ask about visiting hours in the Tourist Office. (Year 2011: from 4 to 13 July,
from 11:00 to 13:30 and from 16:00 to 20:00. Price adults: € 3).
All together, it is one of the most universal fiestas and the one that unleashes the strongest
range of emotions.
History of... The fiesta of San Fermín
Pamplona. Waving neckscarves
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The origin of the fiesta of San Fermín goes back to the Middle Ages and is related to three
celebrations: religious ceremonies in honour of San Fermín, which intensified from the 12th
century onwards, trade fairs and bullfights, which were first documented in the 14th century.
Initially, the fiesta San Fermín was held on October 10th, but in 1591 the people of Pamplona,
fed up with the bad weather at that time of year, decided to transfer the fiesta to July so it
would coincide with the Fair. This is how the Sanfermines were born. It initially lasted two days
and had a pregón (opening speech), musicians, a tournament, theatre and bullfights. Other
events were added later, such as fireworks and dances, and the fiesta lasted until July 10th.
Chronicles from the 17th and 18th centuries tell us of religious events together with music,
dance, giants, tournaments, acrobats, bull runs and bullfights, and the clergy's concern at the
excessive drinking and dissolute behaviour of young men and women. They also refer to the
presence of people from other lands, whose shows "made the city more fun". In the 19th century
there were curious fairground attractions such as a woman fired from a cannon, exotic animals
or wax figures, while the Comparsa de Gigantes (parade of giants) had new carnival figures
with big heads, kilikis and zaldikos. Furthermore, the absence of a double fence in the bull run
meant that the bulls escaped on several occasions and ran around the city streets.
The Sanfermines reached their peak of popularity in the 20th century. The novel "The Sun Also
Rises" ("Fiesta"), written by Ernest Hemingway in 1926, attracted people from all over the world
to come to the fiesta of Pamplona. The 20th century also witnessed new events within the fiesta
such as the Riau-Riau (suspended since 1991), the Chupinazo, or the cultural programme.
History of... The saint
Pamplona. The saint
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Worship of San Fermín in Pamplona took place before the Sanfermines, and his image is still the
focus around which this universal fiesta revolves According to tradition, a presbyter called
Honesto arrived in Roman Pamplona in the 3rd century. He had been sent by San Saturnino (also
known as San Cernín) to evangelise the city and he converted senator Firmo and his family to the
Christian faith. His son Fermín was christened by San Saturnino at the place now known as the
pocico de San Cernin (little well of San Cernín) and was ordained into the priesthood in Toulouse
(France). He returned to Pamplona as Bishop and died, decapitated, in Amiens, where he
baptised more than 3,000 people.
According to tradition, San Fermín was the first Bishop of Pamplona, although his veneration is
not recorded until the 12th century thanks to litanies from Amiens, in which he appeared from
the 8th century onwards. San Fermín is now co-patron saint of Navarre with St Francis Xavier,
and is also the patron of boot makers, wine traders and bakers.
Ernest Hemingway
Pamplona. Plaza del Castillo
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Much of the worldwide fame of the Sanfermines is due to the references made by Ernest
Hemingway in his articles as a reporter and in his novel "The Sun Also Rises", known as "Fiesta"
in the Spanish-speaking world.
The future Nobel Prize winner first visited Pamplona on July 6th 1923, accompanied by his wife,
Hadley Richardson. The Sanfermines made such an impression on him that he returned on
several occasions, the last in 1959. During his visits to Pamplona he usually stayed at the Hotel
La Perla in the Plaza del Castillo.
In those years it was quite common to see him on the cafe terraces of the Plaza del Castillo,
running the bulls or avoiding the young bulls in the bull ring. These frisky animals gave him quite
a few scary moments!
A great admirer of the corrida and bullfighters, Hemingway never missed a bullfight. He was a
regular in restaurants and bars such as Casa Marceliano. He tasted the traditional dishes of
Navarrese cuisine here, and always kept the recipe for ajoarriero with prawns that his friend
Matías Anoz gave him.
Despite his tight festive schedule, he always found time to enjoy his favourite pastime, fishing,
in the trout rivers of Navarre. One of these 'escapes to the countryside' is told in 'Fiesta' in the
trip that Jake Barnes and Bill Gorton took to the Pyrenean valleys.
Since Hemingway's' first despatches, many North Americans have come to Pamplona for San
Fermín. Among them is David Black, who came 40 times; Matt Carney, who became a great bull
runner thanks to his great friend and mentor, Jerónimo Echagüe; Alice Hall, Joe Distler, Ray
Morton and the playwright Arthur Miller and his wife, the Austrian photographer Inge Morath.
James Michener also portrayed the presence of foreign visitors to San Fermín in "The Drifters".
Together with so many famous figures, people from all over the world follow the steps of
Hemingway and come to Pamplona to get to know la Fiesta in situ.
Programme of events
In Sanfermines the fiesta mainly occurs outdoors. Spontaneity blends with the official
programme of events. Anywhere in the centre of Pamplona, and at any hour, you will find a
great variety of events for all tastes and age groups: the encierro for the boldest, the procession
of San Fermín for the most devout, the Gigantes and carnival figures for both kids and parents...
For further details about the ACTIVITIES FOR 2011, please click here.
 The Chupinazo
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 The vísperas and the riau-riau
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 The procession
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 Dianas
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 The encierro
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 Gigantes y cabezudos
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 Peñas
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 Spectacles
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 Music and concerts
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 The funfair
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 Fireworks
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 Pobre de mí
The Chupinazo
Pamplona. The "chupinazo"
The rocket that inaugurates the fiesta of San Fermín is known as the chupinazo.
At 12 noon on July 6th thousands of people fill City Hall Square to overflowing.
With great expectation, accompanied by chants, shouting and cheering, the
crowd dressed in red and white waits for a member of the City Council to light
the fuse of the rocket. To the shout of "Pamploneses, Viva San Fermín! Gora
San Fermín!" the places erupts and thousands of red neck scarves are waved to
welcome nine days of unparalleled fun.
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The vísperas and the riau-riau
On July 6th at 8 p.m. vespers in honour of San Fermín are held in the church of
San Lorenzo. They date back to the 15th century and involve a rich musical
repertoire. The City Council attends this function dressed in ceremonial attire.
Until a few years ago the Council used to leave the City Hall on foot and walk
to San Lorenzo to the strains of a waltz known as the Riau-Riau, which was
composed in 1914 and was a kind of popular protest against the authorities. It
was accompanied by hundreds of mozos who tried to delay the progress of the
Council to the rhythm of the Vals de Astrain, from whose chorus the term RiauRiau emerged. In its first decade the walk took about an hour, but as the years
went by it took longer and longer, and was sometimes even halted, so it was
finally suspended in 1991.
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The procession
Pamplona. Procession
July 7th is the festivity of San Fermín. The procession in honour of the saint
takes place at 10 a.m.; it is a massively attended event that is very dear to the
people of Pamplona. Together with the civil and ecclesiastical authorities, a
large crowd accompanies the image of San Fermín along a route in the Old Part
of Pamplona. It is a time for tradition and devotion. The image that is revered
is a 15th-century wood carving with a silver coating that was added in 1687. In
the oval on the image's chest there are reliquaries of San Fermín.
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Dianas
The dianas (literally, wake-up calls) involve a route followed by the city's band
(La Pamplonesa) through the streets of the Old Quarter. At 6:45 a.m. the band
leaves the City Hall and delights a varied audience consisting of people who
have just got up, those who still have not gone to bed, or runners waiting for
the encierro, among others.
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The encierro
The Encierro is the event at the heart of the Sanfermines and makes the fiesta
a spectacle that would be unimaginable in any other place in the world.
More
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Gigantes y cabezudos
Pamplona. Giants
The Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos is a whole 'court' of kings preceded by
its entourage of carnival figures with big heads, kilikis and zaldikos (horse
figures). There are 25 papier-mâché figures that follow different routes through
the city every day.
The giants are the oldest figures. They date back to 1850 and reach a height of
4.2 metres above the dancer that carries them, and weigh between 59 and 64
kilos. They consist of four couples (King and Queen) that represent America,
Africa, Europe and Asia, and they dance to the txistu (Basque flute) and the
tabor.
The kilikis represent the councillors and their mission is to 'frighten' and
entertain the youngsters. These six figures carry foam 'sticks' and playfully hit
and chase after the little ones. They are known by such funny names as Coletas
(ponytails), Patata (potato), Barbas (beardy), Verrugas (warts), Napoleón and
Caravinagre (vinegar face). The zaldikos ('horses' in Basque) are six papiermâché figures carried by young men dressed in a red and gold suit. They also
carry 'sticks'. The cabezudos (carnival figures with big heads) go in front of the
giants are the most serious characters in the retinue. They draw attention
thanks to their large heads, and their names are: Japonés (Japanese man),
Japonesa (Japanese woman), Concejal (councillor), Abuela (grandmother) and
Alcalde (Mayor).
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Peñas
The peñas are groups of friends who have formed social clubs and are stalwarts
of the city's fiestas; indeed, they emerged for and as a result of the
Sanfermines. They are most visible (and audible) during the bullfight. Their
seats are on the 'sunny' side of the bullring, and their anthems, clothing, badges
and banners give the bullring a special atmosphere. After the bullfight they all
converge on the Plaza del Castillo, from where they set out on different routes
through the streets of the Old Part of the city.
Their presence is not just restricted to the bullfight, their music and non-stop
fun can be seen on the streets all day long and through a good part of the
night. Their essential flag is their banner, which depicts different scenes from
the life of the city in a humorous vein. Their clubs (in calle Jarauta and nearby
streets) turn into excellent bars during the fiesta where you can drink, dance
and have fun all round the clock.
There are 16 peñas. The oldest is La Única, founded in 1903. The others are
Muthiko Alaiak, El Bullicio Pamplonés, La Jarana, Oberena, Aldapa, Anaitasuna,
Los del Bronce, Irrintzi, Alegría de Iruña, Armonía Txantreana, Donibane, La
Rotxa, 7 de Julio San Fermín, San Jorge and El Txarko.
Although the peñas were born for and as a result of the fiesta of San Fermín,
their members get together and organise a number of gastronomic, cultural and
sports events throughout the year.
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Spectacles
Without doubt, in Sanfermines the fiesta belongs outdoors. You can enjoy an
enormous range of shows and activities, many of them free of charge. These
usually take place every year, but it is a good idea to look at the programme to
find out the date and time of each one.
The mornings in the Sanfermines are also full of attractions. On July 6th there
is a big folk festival in the Plaza de los Fueros. An exhibition of rural Basque
sports is also held in the same square on different days. In the Media Luna park
there are representations of Basque culture and every day at 8.30 p.m. there
are dances and music from the casas regionales of Spain in the Bosquecillo
(behind the Tres Reyes hotel). In the bullring, apart from the bullfights there
are other events, with the corrida vasco-landesa (bullfighting in the French
Basque-Landes style) and a competition of young recortadores (bull dodgers)
that attract good crowds.
In the Plaza de Conde Rodezno the children can enjoy the shows and games
that are organised for them. Horse enthusiasts head for the fair that is held
every July 7th.
Obviously, the night holds a lot in store in terms of shows and displays: the toro
de fuego (fire bull), dances, fireworks, concerts, etc. are some of the things
that liven up the streets and squares of the centre of Pamplona at night.
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Music and concerts
Music can be heard everywhere in the city throughout the fiesta, and although
most of it happens in an improvised way the official programme also attaches a
lot of importance to concerts and verbenas (open-air dances). The City Council
programmes concerts every day (except July 7th) in the Taconera gardens.
Of the morning concerts we would highlight the alarde de txistularis (display of
Basque flute players). with pieces played by professional musicians. In this
concert other instruments join the txistu, such as trumpets, horns, trombones,
tubas and accordions. The musical forms that take over the streets at night are
endless, ranging from verbenas to open-air jazz and rock concerts by top
artists.
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The funfair
The funfair, popularly known as 'Las Barracas' is located in a special site near
the centre of the city. There are around one hundred fairground attractions in
Sanfermines, ranging from roundabouts for the little ones, scarier rides for
teenagers, bars and restaurants, stalls selling churros, tómbolas, etc. It is an
overwhelming atmosphere of colour and good fun.
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Fireworks
At 11 p.m. from July 6th to 14th, when the fiesta is just starting its long night,
a brilliant and noisy firework display takes place in the citadel that attracts
tens of thousands of pamploneses and visitors. On July 7th, the Day of San
Fermín, the firework display is accompanied by music. The best place to see it
is the park of the Vuelta del Castillo, on whose soft grass many tired revellers
stretch out to rest and enjoy the fireworks, and then carry on with the fiesta.
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Pobre de mí
This is the last official event of the fiesta. The people of Pamplona converge on
City Hall Square on July 14th holding candles to say goodbye to the fiesta at
midnight and immediately start the countdown for the following year's
Sanfermines! The mayor, speaking from a balcony, officially 'closes' the fiesta
and calls on everyone to come back for more fun next year, accompanied by a
traca of noisy fireworks from the adjacent Plaza de los Burgos. Despite the fact
that it is the last official act of the fiesta, the party continues right through the
night.
The Pobre de mí takes its name from a song that is sung right through the night:
"Pobre de mí, pobre de mí, que se han "acabao" the fiestas of San Fermín".
(Poor me, poor me, the fiesta of San Fermín is over).
 Access the website of the city of Pamplona, where you can
watch videos of parties, following the closure and more
direct.