On July 14th just before midnight, the square in front of Pamplona’s Town Hall is once again packed with people, though the crowds are noticeably thinner and less exuberant compared to a week earlier. Nine chaotic days after the Chupinazo rocket was set off, it is time for the Running of the Bulls Closing Ceremonies – a bittersweet moment for Pamplonese and visitors alike.
Pobre de Mi marks the end of the fiesta
On July 14th at midnight, in Pamplona, Spain all of the locals and travelers gather one last time in Plaza Consistorial (Town Hall Square) to officially mark the end of the San Fermín Festival with the traditional Pobre de Mi (“Poor Me”) ceremony. This is a very key event in Pamplona, Spain, so other than Plaza Consistorial the rest of the town is pretty quiet. Businesses and restaurants even shut down so everyone can attend. After nine days of nonstop bull runs, parades, concerts, and celebrations, locals and visitors join together to celebrate the fiesta and mark its end with singing, candlelight, and lots of different emotions.
What Happens at the Pobre de Mi Closing Ceremonies
The Gathering
Thousands of locals and travelers alike return to the square of Pamplona, this time in a much calmer demeanor, as no one is ready to say goodbye to the fun of the Fiesta. So unlike Opening Ceremonies which are much more party style, people gather this time to together say ‘Poor Me’. The crowds at the closing ceremonies tend to be smaller than those of the opening ceremonies so could be considered more family friendly, but we do still recommend a balcony to watch from.
The Mayor’s Words
Just before the clock says midnight, the Mayor of Pamplona addresses the crowd saying, ‘Falta menos para el glorioso San Fermín” (“Not long for the glorious San Fermín!’) as he encourages everyone to return to The Running of the Bulls the following year.
The Ceremony
The ceremony itself is more sullen than that of the opening ceremonies. As tradition leads, just after midnight, candles are lit, and the crowd softly sings: “Pobre de Mi, Pobre de Mi, que se han acabado las fiestas de San Fermín”
(“Poor me, poor me, for the San Fermín Festival has ended”).
The Vibe of the Closing Ceremonies
While the Opening Ceremonies explode with rockets, champagne, and excitement, the Closing Ceremonies are marked by candlelight, quiet singing, and saying goodbye to the San Fermin Festival for the year. It can be a sad goodbye, but also invites people to come back the next year for the Fiesta again!
Where can I watch the closing ceremonies?
In the Square
Though the Closing Ceremonies are less crowded then the Opening Ceremonies, watching from the town square still means standing shoulder-to-shoulder in Plaza Consistorial. This is a great way to get up close and personal experience with the ceremony and the other guests as well and experience the music, candlelight, and sing with the crowd.
From a Balcony
Running of the Bulls recommends a balcony for viewing as it is safer and gives you a great view away from the crowd! This is especially recommended for families. A balcony lets you view the ceremony with a birds eye view of the square, so you can see everything going on and don’t miss out on anything! Many tourists appreciate having a balcony to watch from and not get caught up in the crowd.
San Lorenzo Church
After singing, many locals walk to the church and some leave their red scarves and candles in honor of Saint Fermín.
Running of the Bulls Tips for Closing Ceremonies
- Wear your festival uniform (camisa blanca (white shirt), faja roja (red sash), and pañuelo rojo (red bandana)).
- Expect a lighter crowd than the opening, but still a crowd,
- Balconies sell out early; Ensure you book in advance so you don’t miss out on a spot and have the chance to get the best of the best.
Closing Ceremony Packages & Balconies
The Running of the Bulls offers Closing Ceremonies Packages that include a great closing ceremony balcony, so you can book everything at once and view Pobre de Mi with an unmatched view. We also offer VIP Closing Ceremonies Packages for those who want the best of the best. With our expert local team, we make sure your entire time in Pamplona is unforgettable.
Check out our closing ceremony packages here or reach out to our expert travel advisor to build a customized package.