Chupinazo 2027: how to experience the rocket that opens San Fermín

At exactly 12:00 noon on July 6, a single rocket shoots up from the balcony of Pamplona City Hall and nine days of San Fermín begin. That rocket is the Chupinazo. Below it, a square of 2,502 square metres is packed shoulder to shoulder with people dressed in white, holding red neckerchiefs above their heads and waiting for the countdown. In 2027, July 6 falls on a Tuesday.

What happens, minute by minute

The square starts filling in the morning. By late morning it is a sea of white shirts, music and sprays of cava and wine (dress accordingly: whatever you wear will not stay white). Just before noon the person chosen to launch the rocket steps out onto the balcony with the mayor, and the crowd raises its neckerchiefs. The launcher shouts the traditional cry, «Pamploneses, pamplonesas, ¡Viva San Fermín! Iruindarrak, gora San Fermín!», lights the fuse and the rocket goes up.

That is the signal to tie the red neckerchief around your neck. Until this moment it is carried on the wrist or in the pocket; from now until the closing ceremony it is worn. Read more about the outfit in our guide to the white-and-red San Fermín dress code.

A short history of the rocket

The Chupinazo is younger than most people think. In 1931 Juan Etxepare, a tobacconist on Calle Mayor, asked the City Council for permission to fire rockets at noon on July 6. The custom stopped with the Civil War, was revived in 1939 by mayor Joaquín Ilundáin and moved to the City Hall balcony in 1941, where it has stayed ever since. For decades the honour went to councillors or people chosen by the council; since 2016 Pamplona residents vote for the launcher among proposals from local groups. In 2026 the rocket was fired by Navarre's emergency healthcare services, as a tribute to their work during the fiestas. For the bigger picture, see the history and origins of San Fermín.

Where to watch the Chupinazo

• Inside Plaza Consistorial. The full experience, and the most intense. Arrive by around 9:00–10:00 if you want to get in; once the square is full, police close the entrances. It is extremely crowded, hot and loud, and you will not be able to leave easily until it is over.
• Nearby streets and squares. Calle Mayor, Calle Chapitela, Calle Santo Domingo and Plaza del Castillo fill with people who follow the moment and start celebrating as soon as the rocket is heard.
• From a balcony. Some balconies overlooking the square are rented for the day: the best way to see the whole scene without being in the crush. Ask early, as they sell out; our balcony rental guide explains how it works.
• On TV or online. The Chupinazo is broadcast live every year, a sensible option if you are travelling with young children.

Practical tips for the day

• Wear clothes you don't mind ruining and closed shoes: the ground ends up sticky and covered in liquid and broken plastic.
• Do not bring glass. Glass bottles are a real danger in the crowd and access to the square is controlled.
• Keep your phone and wallet in a front zip pocket, and agree a meeting point with your group in case you get separated: mobile coverage often collapses around noon.
• Drink water and eat beforehand. July heat in a packed square is serious; in 2026 the authorities warned of temperatures close to 40 °C.
• If you feel overwhelmed, move to the edges and let the crowd go past. There are first-aid points around the Old Town. Our safe-fiesta guide has more advice.

What comes after the rocket

The Chupinazo is a starting gun, not a show. Right after it, the Old Town turns into one big street party: peñas (local clubs) and their brass bands take to the streets, bars overflow and the celebration carries on all afternoon. At night, the first fireworks display lights up the sky at 23:00, and at 8:00 the next morning, July 7, the first running of the bulls takes place, followed by the San Fermín procession. Plan your days with our day-by-day itinerary and book a room early on our accommodation page: July 5 and 6 are the most in-demand nights of the year.

Nine days later, the same square says goodbye to the fiestas with candles and a song: that is the Pobre de mí.

Frequently asked questions

What time is the Chupinazo in 2027?

The Chupinazo is fired at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 6, 2027, from the balcony of Pamplona City Hall in Plaza Consistorial.

How early should I arrive for the Chupinazo?

If you want to be inside Plaza Consistorial, aim to arrive between 9:00 and 10:00. The square fills up hours before noon and police close the entrances once it is full.

Who launches the Chupinazo?

Since 2016 Pamplona residents choose the launcher in a public vote among proposals from local groups. In 2026 it was fired by Navarre’s emergency healthcare services.

When do you tie the red neckerchief?

Right after the rocket goes up at noon on July 6. Until then the neckerchief is carried in the hand, on the wrist or in a pocket, and it is worn until the Pobre de mí on July 14.

Is the Chupinazo safe for children?

The square is extremely crowded, hot and loud, so it is not recommended for small children. Families usually watch from the surrounding streets, a balcony or on TV.