When night falls and the city already has a full day of festival behind it, thousands of people head to the Vuelta del Castillo to watch the fireworks. It is one of the most awaited moments of the programme and, unlike in many other cities, it is not just a show: it is an international competition, with a different designer every night.

The fireworks at a glance

  • When: every night of the festival, from July 6 to 14, 2027.
  • Time: 23:00 (11 pm).
  • Duration: around 15–20 minutes.
  • Where they are launched: from inside the Citadel, which stays closed to the public for safety.
  • Best place to watch: Vuelta del Castillo park, around the Citadel.
  • Price: free.

A competition, not just a show

Pamplona holds an international fireworks competition during San Fermín. Each night a different pyrotechnic designer, from Spain or abroad, presents an original collection of light, colour and rhythm. A jury awards the San Fermín de Oro, de Plata and de Bronce prizes, and the public can vote for its own favourite. Nine nights, nine designers: if you come for several days, you will see very different styles.

A white palm of fireworks over Pamplona (2018).
Each night a different designer competes, so no two displays are the same. Photo: San Fermin Pamplona Navarra (Flickr) · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

Where to watch the fireworks

Vuelta del Castillo. The park around the Citadel is the classic spot. It fills every night with families, groups of friends and visitors sitting on the grass with improvised picnics, a very different atmosphere from the crowds of the Old Town. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to get a good patch of grass.

Other good spots. The Taconera gardens, Media Luna park and parts of the Old Town and the surrounding avenues also have good views. The streets around the park are closed to traffic from about 22:00 to 23:30, so walk there.

With children. The early part of the evening on the grass is perfect for families. Bring a light blanket, something to eat and a jacket: nights in Pamplona can cool down.

Red bursts during the San Fermín fireworks (2018).
Red bursts over the Citadel. The Vuelta del Castillo fills up every night of the festival. Photo: San Fermin Pamplona Navarra (Flickr) · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

How to fit the fireworks into your day

The fireworks are the last big event of each day before the night-time party. A typical evening: dinner or pintxos in the Old Town, a walk to the Vuelta del Castillo around 22:15, the display at 23:00, and back to the Old Town for music and peñas. On July 14, the last display is followed at midnight by the Pobre de mí in the Town Hall square: you can see both if you leave the park straight after the fireworks.

More ideas in our San Fermín itinerary for 1 to 4 days, and for the picnic, what to eat and drink.

Fireworks fill the sky above the city (2018).
The fireworks light up the sky over Pamplona from July 6 to 14. Photo: San Fermin Pamplona Navarra (Flickr) · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions

What time are the San Fermín fireworks?

At 23:00 (11 pm) every night of the festival, from July 6 to 14.

Where is the best place to watch the fireworks in Pamplona?

Vuelta del Castillo park, next to the Citadel, is the classic spot. The Taconera gardens, Media Luna park and parts of the Old Town also have good views.

Are the San Fermín fireworks free?

Yes. They are open-air and free, and you can see them from many parts of the city centre.

How long do the fireworks last?

Each night's display lasts around 15 to 20 minutes.

How does the San Fermín fireworks competition work?

Each night a different pyrotechnic designer, from Spain or abroad, presents an original display. A jury awards the San Fermín de Oro, de Plata and de Bronce prizes, and the public votes for its own favourite.

In pictures

San Fermín fireworks pictures: 11 photos, plus all our San Fermín pictures.