The "Peñas"

The Peñas (social clubs) fill the streets with music and colour throughout the fiestas. Without the Peñas there would be no music, spontaneity, or critical and transgressive spirit that make the atmosphere in the streets during the San Fermín festivities so special. 

Each Peña has its own banner that is carried throughout the nine days of festivities. These banners are changed each year and they feature a critical yet humorous take on the most striking events of the year. The Peña’s banners are a way of criticising politics, questioning authority and denouncing different social issues.

The Peñas could be seen as the beating heart of the festivities, with their constant presence in the streets livening up the masses with their music and brass bands, forming a major part of the special and unique atmosphere that lives and breathes during the San Fermín festivities.

Even though the Peñas emerged with a clear focus on the San Fermín festivities, their activities are not limited to the nine days of fiestas. The Peñas have activities all year round, not just as a meeting place for members, but they also participate actively in the life of the neighbourhoods where they are based, organising many sporting and cultural acts, etc.