Encierrillo and the Running of the Bulls: two essential San Fermín rituals
Understand the difference between the Encierrillo and the Running of the Bulls at San Fermín.
Read the storyTuSanfermin Journal · Cultural notebook
Stories to arrive a little earlier.
Guides, traditions and local perspectives for understanding San Fermín, Pamplona and the surrounding territory to the north.
Latest stories
A journal to look at slowly.
The San Fermín procession: history, meaning and how it is experienced in Pamplona
The history and meaning of the San Fermín procession, and how it is experienced in Pamplona.
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San Fermín dates: when it starts and ends, and how to plan your journey
San Fermín dates, key moments and practical planning advice for a considered visit to Pamplona.
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Pobre de Mí at San Fermín: what it is, when it takes place and how it is experienced
Understand Pobre de Mí, San Fermín’s farewell: its timing, meaning and atmosphere in Pamplona.
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San Fermín Chupinazo: what it is, what time it happens and how it is experienced in Pamplona
What the Chupinazo is, when it happens and how to approach San Fermín’s opening moment with discernment.
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What is a San Fermín peña? Music, tradition and street life
A local introduction to San Fermín peñas: their music, traditions and place in Pamplona’s street life.
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What to see in Pamplona after San Fermín: a cultural route to extend your journey
A cultural route through Pamplona for extending a journey beyond the San Fermín festival.
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San Fermín clothing: why people wear white and red, and when to wear the scarf
Why white, red and the pañuelo matter at San Fermín, and how these traditions are observed in Pamplona.
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Navarre gastronomy: products and places to understand the territory
An introduction to Navarre gastronomy, its products and the places that give the territory its character.
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San Fermín Running of the Bulls: time, route and how to watch it in Pamplona
A practical guide to the San Fermín Running of the Bulls: schedule, route and how to experience it with discernment in Pamplona.
Read the storyEssential information
Questions about the Journal.
Quick pointers to guide your reading and discover San Fermín, Pamplona and Navarre with discernment.
01What can I find in the TuSanfermin Journal?+
The TuSanfermin Journal brings together cultural guides to San Fermín, Pamplona and Navarre. You will find explanations of the rituals, history, symbols, routes and moments of the festival, so you can prepare a more meaningful visit.
02Which article should I read first to understand San Fermín?+
A good starting point is the guide to the San Fermín Chupinazo, because it explains the official opening of the festival, the City Hall Square and the meaning of the red scarf. You can then continue with the San Fermín guide and Culture & Pamplona categories.
03Does the Journal only cover the days of San Fermín?+
No. It also suggests reading for discovering Pamplona and Navarre outside July: heritage, local life, cultural routes and places that help you extend your journey at a calmer pace.
04How are the Journal articles organised?+
The stories are grouped by theme to make reading easier: San Fermín guide, Culture & Pamplona and Routes through Navarre. Each article has a specific purpose and links to related reading when it adds context.
05Are San Fermín schedules and programmes updated in the Journal?+
The cultural articles explain traditions and their context. For schedules, programmes or changes in a specific year, we recommend always checking the official channels of Pamplona City Council before you travel.
