Pamplona’s events calendar revolves around the world-famous San Fermin festival in July, but the city also hosts a strong lineup of music, film, and traditional celebrations throughout the year.. For more, see our pamplona. From solemn Holy Week processions to summer jazz concerts in the Citadel, here are the key dates to plan around.
Pamplona Events and Festivals: San Fermin (July 6-14)
The Fiestas de San Fermin is Spain’s most famous festival after Seville’s Feria de Abril. It kicks off at noon on July 6 with the Chupinazo , a rocket fired from the town hall balcony in Plaza del Castillo, where thousands dressed in white with red bandanas pack the square. The eight bull runs (encierros) take place daily at 8:00 AM from July 7 to 14 along an 875-metre route through the Old Town’s narrow streets to the bullring. Each run lasts about 3 minutes. Runners must be over 18, sober, and follow strict safety rules , injuries occur every year, and 16 people have died since record-keeping began in 1910. The festival also includes nightly fireworks at the Citadel, a daily parade of gigantes (giant figures), traditional music and dancing, and a closing ceremony (Pobre de Mi) at midnight on July 14.. For more, see our Pamplona weather by month. Book accommodation 6-plus months ahead.
Pamplona Events and Festivals: Spring Events
Semana Santa (Holy Week, March or April)
Pamplona’s Holy Week processions are less famous than Seville’s but are solemn and well-organised. The main procession on Good Friday starts at the cathedral and winds through the Old Town, with hooded penitents (nazarenos) carrying religious floats.. For more, see our best time to visit Pamplona. Dates vary annually based on the lunar calendar.
Fiestas de San Prudencio (April 27-28)
These neighbourhood-focused celebrations in the San Juan area include street parties, traditional Basque-Navarre sports demonstrations, and local food stalls.. For more, see our things to do in Pamplona. Smaller and less touristy than San Fermin, they offer a more local festival experience.
Pamplona Events and Festivals: Summer Events
Pamplona Jazz Festival (late June to early July)
Running since 1970, this free jazz festival typically spans the last week of June and first days of July, just before San Fermin. Concerts take place in the Citadel park, Plaza del Castillo, and various indoor venues. Past performers include Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, and local Basque jazz artists. Check the official programme at pamplonajazz.com.. For more, see our best neighborhoods in Pamplona. Most outdoor concerts are free; indoor headline shows cost 15-30 euros.
Pamplona Events and Festivals: Autumn and Winter
Fiestas de San Saturnino (November 29)
Pamplona’s patron saint day sees a smaller-scale celebration with a morning procession from the San Saturnino church (also called San Cernin), traditional dances, and free concerts in the evening. A children’s parade with gigantes figures kicks off the day’s events around 11:00 AM.. For more, see our where to stay in Pamplona. Much more low-key than San Fermin but a good day to see Pamplona’s civic traditions without the July chaos.
Three Kings Parade (January 5)
The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos on the evening of January 5 is Spain’s equivalent of Christmas gift-giving. Elaborate floats carrying the Three Kings parade through Pamplona’s main streets, showering children with sweets. The route typically runs from the Citadel area to Plaza del Castillo from about 18:00 to 20:00.. For more, see our Pamplona travel tips. Free.
