San Fermin for cosmopolitans

RENTAL OF BALCONIES

Balconies can be rented so as not to miss any special moment of the fiesta: the “Chupinazo”, the “Pobre de mi”, the “encierros” or the final parade of the giants... this is one of the most exclusive appeals of the Sanfermines. It is possible to enjoy these events on the frontline by hiring an contacting an authorized balcony rental service. The rental of the balcony can be supplemented by other services such as breakfast, guided tours, etc.

GUIDED TOURS

Before you call it a day consider taking a guided tour of the most emblematic corners of the Casco Viejo. Visits can be scheduled or adapted to suit each client's needs.

The apartado

‘El Apartado’ is the moment when lots are drawn to distribute the bulls among bullfighters before the bullfight. The event is attended by the President of the bullfight, the central Government’s representative and the bull ring veterinarian. The draw is not done in public, but people may always watch how each bull is taken to its respective den. More than a mere formality, the “Apartado” in recent years has become a social event for politicians, ranchers, bullfighters and personalities from the cultural and art world.

El Baile de la Alpargata (The Espadrille Dance)

El Baile de la Alpargata (The Espadrille Dance), one of the most emblematic events at the Nuevo Casino during the San Fermín festival, is among its most popular traditions. It all started with the tradition of having breakfast after the Encierro, or Running of the Bulls, when members would gather at the Casino for hot chocolate with churros. After some time, it became the norm to provide musical entertainment during breakfast, which eventually led to dancing.

Thus was coined the name El Baile de la Alpargata (The Espadrille Dance), and the name stuck, despite the fact that this type of footwear is no longer used. 

FIREWORK

On San Fermín nights Baluarte has something special to offer. Every night, from 10 pm to 1 am, the flat roof of the auditorium of Pamplona, located on the third floor of the building, opens its doors for the public to enjoy one of the special ‘momentico' of the festival: the fireworks. In addition to the privileged views of the pyrotechnic show, in Baluarte you can have snacks for dinner, a drink, listen to music and dance.

THE BULL FAIR

No doubt the bullfight also offers one of the venues for enjoying the fiesta, whether  you are in a “sol” seat (in the sunny side of the bull ring) amidst the “peñas” and their revelry or in a “sombra" seat (in the shady side) in a more relaxed way.

QUIET HIDEAWAYS TO CONTINUE THE FIESTA

Aside from all the revelry and debauchery there are quiet corners as well to enjoy from 7 to 14 July, such as the English Bar at the Tres Reyes Hotel. There you may treat yourself with a lively “vermú” (drinks and appetizers before lunch) animated by mariachis between 1 pm and 2:30 pm. In the afternoon, from 9 to 13 July, the hotel opens its popular live piano music, also at the English Bar.