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.