The city of Pamplona officially marked the commencement of the Sanfermines 2026 festival on Monday, firing the traditional chupinazo rocket to signal the start of nine days of world-famous festivities. From the early morning hours, massive crowds dressed in white with traditional red neckerchiefs assembled in the Town Hall Square to witness the iconic opening moment of Spain’s festive calendar.
This year, the honor of launching the rocket was given to representatives from Navarre’s Accident and Emergency Subdirectorate. They were selected through a public vote as a gesture of appreciation for the dedicated work of healthcare staff throughout the festival, particularly regarding their efforts during the daily bull runs.
Following the customary cry of “¡Pamplonesas, pamploneses, viva San Fermín! Iruindarrak, gora San Fermín!,” the festival is now officially underway and will continue through 14 July. The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Spain and around the world.
The festival’s most famous and dangerous tradition, the bull run, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 8:00. During these runs, hundreds of participants will race along the 848-metre route that stretches from the Santo Domingo pens to the bullring.
Authorities have issued a warning regarding intense heat for the opening day, with temperatures in Navarre expected to climb as high as 40ºC. In response to the extreme weather, medical and emergency services have been bolstered to ensure the safety of attendees as the celebrations proceed.
