Phoenix 24
Thousands flood the city for Spain’s iconic festival.
PAMPLONA, SPAIN — July 2026. A thunderous rocket launch and a sea of red-and-white-clad revelers officially opened the 2026 San Fermín festival in Pamplona, transforming the city’s packed Town Hall Square into the vibrant center of one of Spain’s most internationally recognized celebrations. Thousands gathered from early Monday morning for the traditional chupinazo, raising their red scarves as the opening proclamation echoed across the historic district. The ceremony marked the beginning of nine consecutive days of music, street festivities, religious traditions and the world-famous running of the bulls.
Representatives from Navarra’s emergency medical services were selected through a public vote to launch this year’s rocket, recognizing the crucial work performed by healthcare personnel throughout the festival. Their participation carried particular significance because medical teams remain on constant alert during the bull runs and other mass gatherings. The customary cry of “Viva San Fermín” was answered by the crowd as celebrations erupted across streets, balconies and public squares.
The first bull run is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., when hundreds of runners will attempt to complete the dangerous 848-meter route from the Santo Domingo corrals to Pamplona’s bullring. The event remains the most internationally visible tradition of the festival and attracts participants and spectators from Spain and numerous other countries. Emergency services have reinforced their operations along the course to respond rapidly to injuries or other incidents.
Extreme temperatures will represent an additional challenge during the opening days, with forecasts indicating that parts of Navarra could approach 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities have strengthened medical and emergency measures while urging residents and visitors to remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. The combination of intense heat, enormous crowds and high-risk events will require continuous coordination among healthcare professionals, police officers and municipal services.
The festivities will continue until July 14, bringing concerts, processions, cultural performances and daily bull runs to the streets of Pamplona. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to pass through the city during a celebration that combines religious devotion, popular culture and international tourism. For nine days, Pamplona will once again become the global capital of red scarves, crowded streets and the enduring cry of San Fermín.
Pamplona is dressed in white, crowned in red and ready to celebrate.