Thousands gathered in Pamplona’s basic square as the San Fermín 2026 festival officially opened at midday with the Chupinazo, the traditional rocket launch that signals the start of nine days of festivities. This year, Clint Jean Louis, subdirector of Urgencias de Navarra, and Araceli Sergio, a nurse from the UVI móvil de Tafalla, had the honor of igniting the opening rocket. Their appearance on the city hall balcony drew cheers from a crowd estimated at more than 12,500, many of whom had arrived early to claim a spot in the packed Plaza Consistorial. Held at 12:00 on 6 July, the launch from Pamplona City Hall formally opens a festival that runs through 14 July.
The Chupinazo is now a defining moment of San Fermín, though the tradition is relatively recent: it began in 1941. The ceremony follows a precise sequence. Three minutes before noon, the designated launchers step onto the balcony with a municipal usher and the head of Caballer, the pyrotechnics company that makes the rocket. As anticipation builds, the crowd chants “¡San Fermín!, ¡San Fermín!, ¡San Fermín!” and waves red handkerchiefs, soon to be tied around their necks for the festival.
Clarinets mark the official start, followed by a greeting in Spanish and Basque. The launchers then deliver the traditional call: “Men and women of Pamplona. Long live San Fermín! Long live San Fermín!” Giant screens across Pamplona carry the moment live, while viewers worldwide can follow it via TVE. That broadcast takes the festival well beyond the city’s historic center. Visit Navarra describes the Chupinazo as the official opening and says it is watched in Plaza Consistorial and on large screens around the city.
San Fermín is one of Spain’s most internationally renowned festivals, drawing visitors from across the globe. The Chupinazo is only the start: over the next nine days, Pamplona will host the famous running of the bulls and concerts, alongside cultural activities and nightly fireworks. The eight encierros take place at 08:00 each morning from 7 to 14 July. The 875-metre route starts at the corrals on Cuesta de Santo Domingo, crosses the historic centre, including the Estafeta section, and ends at the bullring. The festival’s fireworks competition takes place at Vuelta del Castillo. Further details about this year’s celebrations, including expanded TV coverage and the return of live bull runs, are available in this overview of San Fermín 2026’s broadcast innovations and festival highlights.
San Fermín’s origins date back centuries, while the modern festival has changed significantly since the mid-20th century. The Chupinazo, now a symbol of Pamplona’s identity, was established to give the festivities a clear, communal start. The wider civic programme includes music: La Pamplonesa, Pamplona’s municipal band, was founded in 1919 and takes part in San Fermín events, from morning dianas and open-air concerts to performances at Teatro Gayarre. Running the festival requires city officials to coordinate with emergency services, while local businesses also play a part. That work reflects the festival’s importance to the region’s economy and cultural life. The influx of visitors has a impressive impact on Pamplona: hotels and restaurants fill up, while public services operate at full capacity. The festival’s international profile has also drawn more media attention and brought additional safety measures, particularly around high-profile events such as the bull runs. As another year of celebrations begins, the Chupinazo recalls Pamplona’s enduring traditions and its role as a gathering point for people from around the world.
