Northern Spain: Three Reasons You’ll Love it Here

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A Vibrant Journey Through Northern Spain: Pamplona’s San Fermín, Flamenco, and Pintxos Delights

From the heart-pounding excitement of the world-renowned San Fermín festival in Pamplona, where the running of the bulls takes center stage, to the soul-stirring rhythms of flamenco echoing through historic streets, this region is a celebration of life itself. But that’s not all – indulge your taste buds in the delightful world of pintxos. These savory Basque tapas are nothing short of culinary art and savor the joys of affordable sangria that flow like a river. Join us as we uncover the vibrant northern Spain, where every moment invites you to immerse yourself in a lively, authentic, and unforgettable culture. If you love Spain, you’ll be enchanted by the unique charm and exhilarating experiences that northern Spain offers.

Table of Contents

1. A Vibrant Journey Through Northern Spain: Pamplona’s San Fermín, Flamenco, and Pintxos Delights
2. Just a Few Reasons I Love Northern Spain
3. San Fermin Festival, Sangria, and Soulful Music
4. Experiencing the Thrills of Pamplona in Northern Spain
5. From Bullfighting Spectacles to Colorful Parades
6. An Unexpected Balcony Invitation
7. A 2-Minute Dash Through Old Alleyways
8. The Most Heart-Pounding Moment
9. Dead Man’s Corner in Pamplona
10. Sangria, Cheers, and Bulls
11. From Sangria Showers to Street Stalls
12. A Day of Festival Delights in Northern Spain
13. Pintxos Adventures
14. Lost in Translation at Pamplona’s Food Stalls
15. The Festival’s SPECTACULAR Finale
16. Like it? Pin it!

These are just a Few Reasons I Love Northern Spain

San Fermin Festival, Sangria, and Soulful Music

I love Northern Spain because of its multicultural history. There is a sense that that narrow waterway facilitated the influx of people, language, dance, music, spices, religion, and architecture. The warmer climate, the laid-back ease with which people speak, and the rolling hills with the twisted trunks of thousand-year-old olive trees make this region distinctly different from all others.

Experiencing the Thrills of Pamplona in Northern Spain

From Bullfighting Spectacles to Colorful Parades

As a passionate world traveler, I thrive on immersive experiences beyond typical tourist activities. For just 77 euros, I got a chance to witness the raw emotion surrounding one of Northern Spain’s most beloved festivals. It was an unforgettable adventure in Pamplona that left me with stories to cherish forever. In this blog post, I’ll take you through the captivating journey I embarked upon in this Spanish city during the renowned festival of San Fermin.

Witnessing the Traditional Bullfighting Spectacle

One of the highlights of my visit to Pamplona was witnessing the traditional bullfighting spectacle. While bullfighting may not be everyone’s cup of tea, my curiosity led me to experience it firsthand. To my surprise, I found the event to be an awe-inspiring display of colorful pageantry and passionate enthusiasm from the spectators. The event occurred at the Plaza de Toros de Pamplona, located at Paseo de Hemingway, s/n, 31002 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. I love Northern Spain for its rich traditions and vibrant culture.

I’ll share my impressions of the bullfight, from the matadors’ elaborate costumes to the humane aspect of the bull’s final moments in the ring. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with the crowd’s cheers and the vibrant music adding to the intensity of the spectacle. The matadors’ skill and bravery were evident in every move, and the intricate choreography between man and bull was mesmerizing.

Despite the controversy surrounding bullfighting, the experience offered a glimpse into a deeply rooted Spanish tradition. It was a moment of cultural immersion highlighting the complex relationship between tradition and modern values. Join me as I recount this unique adventure and the unforgettable memories I made in Pamplona during the San Fermin festival.

Statistics and Interesting Facts About San Fermin

Bull Runs: Each day of the festival features an “encierro” (bull run), which starts at 8:00 AM and lasts about three minutes. Approximately six fighting bulls and six steers run through the streets of Pamplona to the bullring. I love Northern Spain for its unique and thrilling traditions.

Participants: Around 1,000 to 3,000 people participate in each bull run. Many more spectators line the route to watch the event.

Injuries: On average, 50 to 100 people are injured each year during the bull runs. Most injuries are minor, but there have been fatalities over the years.

Bullfights: Each evening during the festival, a bullfight takes place in the Plaza de Toros. The bullring has a capacity of around 19,720 spectators, making it one of the largest in Spain.

Economic Impact: The festival attracts around 1 million visitors annually, significantly boosting the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and related services.

Historical Roots: The San Fermin festival has been celebrated since the Middle Ages, combining both religious ceremonies in honor of Saint Fermin and the more secular elements like bullfighting and bull runs.

Admire the centuries-old architecture and feel the pulse of history with every step you take in these timeless Italian medieval towns.

An Unexpected Balcony Invitation

A 2-Minute Dash Through Old Alleyways

The entire run lasted about 2 minutes as runners then bulls hurled themselves through the cobblestone alleyways of the old city center. The two-legged animals frantically attempted to climb the now barricaded storefronts and wooden blockades in front of them. The four-legged animals skidded and collided as they made the sharp turn in what is referred to as Dead Man’s Corner—a sharp right up Estefeta Street.

The Most Heart-Pounding Moment

Dead Man’s Corner in Pamplona

I was told it was the most thrilling and dangerous part of the run, and it didn’t disappoint!! No one was seriously injured that day and everyone lived to party the rest of the day away. Mercaderes Street, one of the most popular vantage points along the 800-meter route was packed when I arrived. The high stalls were already in place and I found myself three rows behind them. I was resigned to a glimpse of the action when I was tapped on my shoulder.

Sangria, Cheers, and Bulls

On the second-floor balcony, a few people I met on the plane motioned for me to join them. It didn’t dawn on me until later that I didn’t hesitate to join them. I couldn’t believe my luck because it was a chance to actually see the parade of man and animal. I climbed the narrow stairwell around the corner and joined my new friends, already drinking sangrias– all hoping, eager to see the running of the bull and people.

From Sangria Showers to Street Stalls

A Day of Festival Delights in Northern Spain

My ticket to the party on the balcony– two pitchers of sangria. I bought the next three rounds– two of which were after the bull run. The streets themselves seem to move as one giant millipede. I was doused with sangria, beer, mustard, and various other liquids, kissed and hugged, serenaded and twirled as I walked through the congested streets. Fortunately, I had a ticket to the corridas (bullfights), but that didn’t start until 6:30 that night!! I quickly realized I wouldn’t make it long on a singular diet of sangria.

Pintxos Adventures

Lost in Translation at Pamplona’s Food Stalls

I went to one of the many street stalls offering traditional festival foods. It didn’t take long to realize Spanish and Mexican food weren’t the same. Why did that surprise me? I had no idea. Nothing on the picture menu looked familiar except the mojito; no one spoke enough English to help me. I might as well have closed my eyes and pointed, so I did. However, I wish I could tell you what I ate, but I would never order it again. I grabbed a mojito to go and walked back to my car to take a nap.

One thing I did learn is that small plates exist in Northern Spain. They are called pintxos, not tapas.

The Festival’s SPECTACULAR Finale

Beyond the bullring, Pamplona offered a vibrant celebration filled with lively street performances, local bars, and dancing. I’ll recount my adventures as I danced through the city, following costumed performers and immersing myself in the festive atmosphere. Later in the evening, I sought refuge on the lawn outside the 16th-century citadel, where I witnessed a breathtaking fireworks display that lit up the night sky. Join me in reliving the magic of Pamplona’s grand finale and the thunderous applause that followed.

Like it? Pin it!

_{This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own.}

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!