Discover Pamplona
Open, diverse, and with deep roots, Pamplona combines centuries-old heritage with a contemporary outlook. Here, every street, square, and building tells a story. Every festival is a shared emotion. Discover Pamplona calmly, walking at a leisurely pace, because Pamplona must be experienced.
With two official languages (Basque and Spanish) Pamplona/Iruña is a pluralistic and welcoming territory. Words like eskerrik asko (“thank you very much” in Basque), garrotico (a typical sweet), and villavesa (“city bus”) are part of a living guide that connects those who visit the city with its people — a chance to feel like a local.
Pamplona is home to a wide range of cultural, social, and sporting activities thanks to its dynamic citizenry who like to express themselves in the streets and organise, participate, and enjoy the city centre and their own neighbourhoods naturally and spontaneously.
Cultural programming begins in January with the arrival of the Three Kings and subsequently continues with the lively Caldereros (“Coppersmiths”) festivities and colourful carnivals. Spring gives rise to the popular neighbourhood celebrations and on 6 July begins the festival of all festivals: San Fermín. There are also unique celebrations such as the Privilegio de la Unión on September 8. Translating as “Privilege of the Union”, this event commemorates the unification of the city. Additionally, there is the feast of Saint Saturninus, patron saint of Pamplona, on 29 November. On 24 December, the streets are filled with excitement thanks to Olentzero, the endearing charcoal burner who arrives bearing gifts; and on the 31st, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with costumes to ring in the new year.
It is precisely the welcoming and hospitable nature of the people that makes Pamplona special. In short, Pamplona is a very lively city
Much more than San Fermín
Pamplona is San Fermín, but it is also history and heritage. Its magnificent Renaissance walls and Citadel are considered among the best preserved in Europe.
Parks and gardens are part of the city’s lifeblood, and greenery is everywhere you look. Major cycling routes like Eurovelo 1 and 3, as well as the Plazaola Greenway, cross the city, allowing visitors to enjoy that fabulous fusion between rural and urban life.
It is the first city on the Way of St James and has an exceptional Gothic cathedral.
Its prestigious gastronomy is based on quality local ingredients, with fruits and vegetables being particularly prominent. These fresh products can be enjoyed in the city’s many restaurants and bars and, of course, in the markets.
Basque pelota, which combines sport and tradition, has deep roots in Pamplona/Iruña and its essence can be enjoyed in a number of corners.
But if there’s one thing Pamplona can be proud of, it’s the calendar of festivals and events that shape the city’s pulse throughout the entire year. Pamplona is, above all, culture.
Pamplona is not a picture-postcard city. Anyone who discovers Pamplona soon realises that things are
exactly as they seem — and so are the people.
In 1423, King Charles III of Navarre issued the Privilegio de la Unión (“Privilege of the Union”), which led to the unification of the three old boroughs that made up Pamplona and the creation of the city and capital of the Kingdom of Navarre.
The Old Town, the ensanches or expansion districts, Txantrea, Rochapea, Lezkairu, Iturrama, San Juan… each has its own unique character, clearly reflected in the neighbourhood festivals held during the spring.
The smell of wet grass, the riverside parks and abundant green spaces that extend throughout the city, the parks that look to the Pyrenees…. In Pamplona, the colour green is not just a colour, it is part of the city’s identity.
