San Saturnino`s day

But isn't San Fermin the patron saint of Pamplona? That’s what visitors tend to ask when they hear that San Saturnino is the city’s patron saint. San Fermin is the co-patron saint of Navarre, along with San Francisco Javier, whose saint’s day is celebrated on 3 December and is called the ‘Day of Navarre’.

Now we’ve solved the first doubt, let’s move on to the second: San Saturnino or San Cernin? That’s right, it’s the same saint. Veneration of San Saturnino, which began in France, was brought by the pilgrims on the Way of St James to the mediaeval borough of San Cernin, where a Gothic temple was dedicated to him. So don't be surprised if you hear someone say the Church of San Cernin.

If you want to join the party, the best thing to do is accompany the procession. At around 10 in the morning, it leaves Plaza Consistorial and runs through the old town of Pamplona. Everyone will be there: the Municipal Council in full ceremonial attire in representation of the city, pipers, dancers, the ‘La Pamplonesa’ brass band and, of course, the troupe of ‘giants and bigheads’, who are sure to amaze the younger members of the family.

At around 12 noon, the procession returns to Plaza Consistorial, where the dancers perform dances in honour of the city.
Among other things and as has become the tradition on this day, the Nativity scene is opened in the hallway of the city hall in the afternoon and, as soon as it gets dark, the Christmas lights are officially switched on in the square. This year, the new feature will be the release of 3,000 sky lanterns so the residents of Pamplona can send their wishes for the city skywards.

​​​​​​​On top of all this, the city council always prepares a varied programme of events to celebrate the festivity as it deserves.

Fecha 2024 pendiente

29 nov - 29 nov

2023