The history of the San Fermín Procession

The procession was already being celebrated back in 1527 but in those times it took place in October, which is when the Sanfermin fiestas were celebrated at that time

From the Sanfermines guide, 204 hours of fiesta
© Larrión y Pimoulier Editores

The procession in honor of San Fermín goes back for as long as records have existed, so it is likely that the procession is as old as the cult to the saint is, in Pamplona. Jesús Arraiza wrote in his book about the patron saint of Pamplona - "San Fermín patrono" that, although there is no written record, it is likely that the custom of having a procession began around 1187 when the bishop, Pedro de Artajona, brought the first relic of the saint from Amiens and initiated the cult of veneration of this saint in Pamplona.

On the other hand, José María Corella, in his book "Sanfermines de ayer " (‘Yesterday's Sanfermines') points to the existence of graphic testimonials of doubtful origin that there was already a parade of figures which danced in the procession during the middle of the XV century. However, unlike the present-day "zaldikos" (wooden-horsed figures) which form part of the Troupe of the Giants and their entourage - The Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos - the traditional flute or "gaita" was played by the dancers as they danced in their wooden horses and competed with each other to see who could make the best capers.

José María Corella also points out that the first documented reference to the procession of San Fermin dates from 1527, when the annual Sanfermin fiestas were still being celebrated on the 10th of October. At that time, the City Hall councilors were already going to the Cathedral to meet up with the Cathedral Cabildo in order to take part in the procession together and the subsequent religious acts in the church of San Lorenzo, where the saint has been worshipped since time immemorial.

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