Rockets, champagne, music, and unbridled excitement are hallmarks of the Running of the Bulls Opening Ceremonies in Pamplona, Spain. In terms of wild partying, it doesn’t get much crazier than opening day of the Sanfermines Fiesta.
The Official Start of San Fermin
Every year on July 6th, Pamplona bursts to life for the San Fermin Festival which officially kicks off with the Opening Ceremonies, known in Spain as El Chupinazo (or Txupinazo in Basque). At noon, the San Fermin Festival officially kicks off when a rocket is fired from the balcony of Pamplona’s Town Hall. For both locals and visitors, this moment is the most anticipated day of the year and is easily the most popular day of the fiesta.
As the festival begins, the quiet streets of Pamplona fill with travelers and locals dressed in the traditional uniform: camisa blanca (white shirt), faja roja (red sash/scarf), and pañuelo rojo (red bandana) all gather in Plaza Consistorial (Town Hall Square) and the surrounding streets. As the rocket launches, the Mayor and members of the City Council will shout from a balcony these thrilling words: “Pamploneses, Pamplonesas, Viva San Fermin! Gora San Fermin!”, while the crowd erupts in loud and exciting cheers, scarves are waved high, and champagne and sangria spray through the air until everyone is soaked.
What to expect at El Chupinazo
A HUGE Crowd: By 10:30 AM, Plaza Consistorial is filled shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of travelers and locals. White shirts quickly turn pink from the rivers of wine, and the atmosphere builds with chants, songs, and music. Others watch from above from a San Fermin Balcony Rental to get a clear view away from the crowds, making an Opening Ceremonies balcony ideal for families to get to see from a great viewpoint.
As the Opening Ceremonies begin you can expect this order of events:
1. The Mayors Words
Just before noon, the Mayor and City Council step onto the balcony and cry out, “Pamploneses, Pamplonesas, Viva San Fermín! Gora San Fermín!” The crowd responds in echoing cheers.
2. The Rocket
A single rocket shoots into the sky, marking the start of the fiesta. Since 1941, this tradition has been passed down, with elected officials or even local celebrities the honor of launching the rocket.
3. The Celebration
Immediately after, chaos turns into pure excitement and celebration. Buckets of water are tossed from balconies, bottles of cava explode, and the city’s nine-day celebration officially begins.
Where to watch the Opening Ceremonies
In the Square
If you are looking to be in the center of all of the action, join the crowd in Plaza Consistorial. It is best to arrive before 11:00 AM to secure a spot, and leave your valuables at your hotel. Expect to leave the opening ceremonies soaked and stained with sangria and cava, and don’t forget to wear the traditional uniform which comes with all of the Running of the Bulls travel packages. Closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended as well, as many drinks being tossed about come in glass bottles and some end up broken!
Being in the middle of everything is super exciting, but if you have kids or crowds make you nervous you may prefer the safety and view from a balcony.
From a Balcony (Recommended)
A Bull Run Balcony offers a safer and more comfortable view, especially for families, as it keeps you out of the crowd and craziness but also offers a birds eye view so you don’t miss any of the excitement. On the balcony you can still participate in the festivities with cava, snacks, and others while being a little more secure and having a little more space! The picture to the side is a view from one of out balconies! Its a GREAT view!
Around Town
Around the town of Pamplona there are many giant screens that broadcast the event in locations like Paseo de Sarasate, Parque de Antoniutti, Plaza del Castillo, and Plaza de los Fueros, so you can watch the spectacle if you decide not to physically be there!
Running of the Bulls Tips for Opening Ceremonies
- Wear the traditional attire (white clothes with a red scarf and sash)
- Leave bags and valuables behind; it’s very easy to lose things in such a large crowd.
- Expect to get messy: champagne, sangria, and water will drench you.
- Balconies sell out early reserves in advance for the best experience.
Opening Ceremony Packages & Balconies
The Running of the Bulls offers exclusive Opening Ceremony travel packages, that include premium balcony spaces so you get a great view (even include the option to upgrade to a VIP Balcony Space, or privatize an entire balcony for your group)! With decades of experience and a dedicated local team, we ensure your San Fermín adventure is safe, seamless, and unforgettable.
Click below to Reserve a Running of the Bulls travel package, or here to reach out to our expert travel advisors for more details, customized packages, or VIP upgrades. Opening Ceremonies are always the first set of packages to sell out, so don’t wait to reserve your spot for the Opening Ceremonies Packages and experience El Chupinazo the best way.
Shop Opening Ceremonies Travel Packages
Modern Castle Resort Opening Ceremonies Package
- Hotel: 4-star in Pamplona’s Countryside
- Distance to Bull Run: 15-minute shuttle
- Length of Stay: 3 nights
- Chances to Run: 2 mornings
- Opening Ceremonies Balcony overlooking plaza with direct view of Town Hall
- Bull Run Balcony Spot: Level 3 or 4 view
- Bullfight Ticket: Lower Deck Tendido Seats
- Breakfast: Included every morning
- Meals: Cuadrilla Dinner hosted by Running of the Bulls® & VIP Fireworks Party
- Walking Tour: Bull Run Tour with Expert Runner
- Premium Apparel Package: 1591™ Polo or T-Shirt, bandana and sash
- Concierge: Our team member in your hotel lobby
- Arrival Date: July 5, 2026 – Departure Date: July 8, 2026
This premium package includes everything you need to make the most of the opening days of the Running of the Bulls. Stay at the Hotel Castillo de Gorraiz, a sophisticated golf and spa resort located in the tranquility of the countryside around Pamplona.
From the minute you book with us to the minute you arrive in Pamplona, we will be with you every step of the way to help make sure you have a flawless Fiesta. Our team of 35 guides surrounds you with support at every key moment but know when to back off and let you enjoy the freedom to explore Pamplona.
We escort you to your balcony to view the morning bull run (when it is easy to get lost in the chaos). With our app, we are always only a message away when you have questions or need help.
Premier City Center Opening Ceremonies Package
- Hotel: 4-star in Pamplona City Center
- Distance to Bull Run: 1 Minute Walk
- Length of Stay: 3 nights
- Chances to Run: 2 mornings
- Txupinazo Opening Ceremonies Balcony
- Bull Run Balcony Spot: Level 1 or 2 View
- Bullfight Ticket: Lower Deck Tendido Seats
- Meals: Cuadrilla Dinner hosted by Running of the Bulls® & VIP Fireworks Party
- Breakfast: Included every morning
- Pamplona Cathedral Tour & Welcome Tapas
- Walking Tour: Bull Run Tour with Expert Runner
- Premium Apparel Package: 1591™ Polo or T-Shirt, bandana and sash
- Concierge: Our team member in your hotel lobby
- Arrival Date: July 5, 2026 – Departure Date: July 8, 2026
This premium package includes everything you need to make the most of the opening days of the Running of the Bulls. Stay at the recently renovated Hotel Maisonnave, founded in 1883, which has a rich connection to the festival. It is a tradition among many of the matadors to stay here, due to the short walk to the bull ring.
From the minute you book with us to the minute you arrive in Pamplona, we will be with you every step of the way to help make sure you have a flawless Fiesta. Our team of 35 guides surrounds you with support at every key moment but know when to back off and let you enjoy the freedom to explore Pamplona.
We escort you to your balcony to view the morning bull run (when it is easy to get lost in the chaos). In addition, you can easily message us through our app when you have questions or need help.
Famous Luxury Hotel Opening Ceremonies Package
- Hotel: 5-star in Pamplona City Center
- Distance to Bull Run: On the bull run route
- Length of Stay: 3 nights
- Opening Ceremony Balcony Spots: VIP Terrace
- Bull Run Balcony Spots: Dead Man’s Curve Level 1 or 2 view for 1 day
- Chances to Run: 2 mornings
- Bullfight Tickets: Premium Tendido Shade Seats
- Walking Tour: Bull Run Tour with Expert Runner
- Pamplona Cathedral Tour
- Meals: Cuadrilla Dinner hosted by Running of the Bulls® & VIP Fireworks Party + Tapas & Wine Event
- Premium Apparel Package: 1591™ Polo or T-Shirt, bandana and sash
- Private Arrival Transfer: Pamplona Airport or Train Station to Gran Hotel La Perla
- Private Departure Transfer: Gran Hotel La Perla to Pamplona Airport or Train Station
- Arrival Date: July 5, 2026 – Departure Date: July 8, 2026
This premium package includes everything you need to make the most of the liveliest opening days of the Running of the Bulls. Stay at Gran Hotel La Perla, a world-class hotel known for hosting San Fermin’s famous figures, right in Pamplona’s city center. The hotel’s location on Plaza del Castillo is perfect for enjoying the fiesta. With our highest-end package, experience unparalleled service, the most prized views of the bull run, and Premium Tendido Shade Bullfight Tickets.
From the minute you book with us to the minute you arrive in Pamplona, we will be with you every step of the way to help make sure you have a flawless Fiesta. Our team of 35 guides surrounds you with support at every key moment, but also know when to back off so you can enjoy the freedom to explore Pamplona.
Each morning, we escort you to your balcony to view the morning bull run (when it is easy to get lost in the chaos). In addition, you can easily message us through our app when you have questions or need help.
Due to the exclusive nature of Gran Hotel La Perla and its own no-refund policy for San Fermin bookings, this package is non-refundable. We highly recommend travel insurance for your booking.
Please Note:
Each package listed is either Single (1 Guest), Double (2 Guests), or Triple (3 Guests). You’ll only need to change the Quantity below if you wish to book more than one package (e.g., a family of 4 might book two Double packages).