The Chupinazo: the instant Pamplona erupts

It all starts with a rocket. At the stroke of noon on July 6th, from a balcony of Pamplona City Hall, someone — a public figure chosen each year — lights the fuse of the chupinazo. The blast officially marks the start of San Fermín: nine days of uninterrupted festivities until midnight on the 14th.

Where and how to watch it

The event takes place in Plaza Consistorial, in front of the City Hall façade, and draws tens of thousands of people packed tightly together from early morning. If you want to be right at the front, you'll need to arrive before 9:00 and endure hours of waiting, heat and total crowding — many people go up already holding their red neckerchief, unknotted until the moment the rocket fires.

For those who prefer to experience it more comfortably, Pamplona sets up giant screens at several points around the city, and many bars and private balconies in the Old Town broadcast it live. It's a perfectly valid alternative, and far less physically demanding.

What to expect once the rocket goes off

After the bang, the square turns into a sea of cava, foam and confetti thrown into the air — wear clothes you don't mind getting stained. The atmosphere typically carries on for hours throughout the Old Town, with peñas (festival clubs) playing music and bars overflowing. Along with the closing "Pobre de mí," it's the most photographed moment of the whole festival.

Practical tips

If you're heading to the square: hydrate before you go in (you won't be able to move easily for hours), leave valuables at your accommodation, and be patient when leaving, since it can take longer than expected due to the crowds. If you're travelling with children or would rather avoid extreme crowds, watching from a giant screen or a bar is a much more sensible option.