Pamplona's sky, ablaze with color every night

When night falls and the city already has a full day of celebration behind it, thousands of people head to the Vuelta del Castillo to watch the international fireworks competition, one of the most eagerly awaited events on the whole program.

A competition, not just a show

Unlike other cities where fireworks are simply a way to close out the day, in Pamplona it's an international pyrotechnics competition: each night a different company presents its own choreography of light, color and music, and the public — together with a technical jury — rates the creativity and execution of each display.

Where to watch it

The Vuelta del Castillo, the park that surrounds Pamplona's Citadel, fills every night with families, groups of friends and tourists who sit on the grass with improvised picnics. It's a very different experience from the bustle of the Old Town: calmer, and ideal for taking a break from the festival's frantic pace.

Schedule

The display begins at nightfall, around 10:30–11:00 p.m. depending on the date, and lasts about 15–20 minutes. Check the official calendar for the exact time each day.