San Fermín Festival

Festivities begin on 6th July with the ‘Chupinazo’ where large crowds dressed in red and white gather in the city hall square holding up their red neckerchiefs as they await the launch of a rocket from the balcony of the city hall. This rocket marks the start of the festival and the partying commences, this event is known for its particularly lively atmosphere as the crowds bring the festival to life.

The following day the San Fermín procession takes place and a statue of the saint is transported through the old town accompanied by religious dignitaries, dancers and entertainers. Each day there is a large variety of shows, activities and concerts and participants can enjoy fireworks every night. Daily events include the Gigantes and Cabezudos procession, the famous Encierro (running of the bulls) and bullfights.

The Gigantes and Cabezudos (Giants and Big Heads) procession takes place each morning. The Giants compose of four Kings and Queens representing America, Asia, Africa and Europe; other figures include the Cabezudos which are costumes with large wooden heads, Kilikis who carry foam sticks with which they playfully chase youngsters and, Zaldikos, men dressed in red and gold riding horse figures.

The Encierro is perhaps the event that attracts the most attention, and has gained the Sanfermínes worldwide recognition. Every morning from the 7th-14th July just before 8am, daredevils gather to ask for protection from Saint Fermín before they take part in the running of the bulls, the purpose of which is to lead the bulls to the bullring where they will take part in the bullfights later that day. At 8am a rocket launch marks the start of the run and participants run in front of the charging bulls along the 820m route towards the bullring, once all the bulls have entered the bullring another rockets marks the end of the run. It is a controversial, yet iconic, event due to the dangerous nature and injuries that can be sustained by those who dare to take part.