Procession of San Fermin

The San Fermin festival dedicated to the co patron saint of Navarre, Saint Fermin, is one of the most interesting and popular Spanish fiestas. Hosted in the city of Pamplona at the heart of the Province of Navarre, the highlights of the festival are the running of the bulls, bullfights, processions and open-air celebrations.

Saint Fermin procession is held in the morning on July 7. The procession with a 15th century image of the patron saint passes through the streets of the old town of Pamplona. The route is packed with spectators gathered to watch the lively parade and traditional songs and dances.

San Fermin Procession Route

The procession starts from the church of San Lorenzo, which houses the remains of Saint Fermin. Jota songs are sung to the Saint at different locations on the route of the procession. The procession heads to San Anton Street. At the junction of Taconera and San Anton streets, a jota song dedicated to Saint Fermin is sung by a group of singers. A second jota is sung from a balcony in San Lorenzo Street. The procession then heads to Consejo Square, where another group of singers sings a jota. The procession halts at the Well of San Cernin at San Saturnino where roses are offered to the image of the saint by two children. Here pipers play the tune of traditional Basque song known as Agur Jaunak to welcome the saint. The procession continues to the Main Street, where jotas are sung on the street and from a balcony. Finally, the procession ends in the church of San Lorenzo, where the statue of Saint Fermin is returned to its original site.

Attractions of the Procession

The parade that lasts for about two hours is the most pompous event of San Fermin festival. Apart from the traditional jota songs, small acts are performed throughout the route of the procession, accompanied by impromptu songs sung to the saint. The procession is led by giants and big heads, followed by the Archiepiscopal and San Lorenzo Crosses, the Brotherhood of Passion, farmers and carpenters, bugle, tambourine and flute players, archbishop, brass band and members of the town council.

The giants are a popular attraction of the procession of San Fermin. Some of the giant figures where built in the 18th century. They represent kings and queens of Europe, America, Africa and Asia. The procession ends with a dance of the giants in the courtyard of the cathedral.


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