Mijas Celebrates Its Own San Fermín Chupinazo with 36 Years of Navarrese Tradition on the Costa del Sol

San Fermín is also celebrated on the Costa del Sol. Nearly a thousand kilometres from Pamplona, the town of Mijas once again dressed in white and red to mark a tradition that now has 36 years of history and keeps the bond between the Navarrese community and southern Spain alive.

The celebration took place on July 6, with a day that combined tribute, popular festivities and community spirit. The most anticipated moment came with the launch of the chupinazo at Casa Navarra, a restaurant that has become a meeting point for Navarrese residents in Málaga province.

Mijas mayor Ana Mata was in charge of launching the festive rocket in front of dozens of people wearing red scarves, berets and white clothing, recreating the atmosphere that marks the start of the San Fermín festivities in Pamplona each year.

A Floral Offering to Begin the Day

The celebration began with the traditional floral offering at the roundabout dedicated to Navarra, located on the Mijas road.

Residents, municipal representatives and members of the Navarrese community placed flowers beside the Navarrese flag in a symbolic act that marks the start of the festivities.

This gesture highlights the ties between Mijas and Navarra and keeps alive the origin of a tradition that has become fully integrated into the social life of the municipality.

After the offering, the celebration moved to Casa Navarra, where the chupinazo was launched and the festive atmosphere began.

Casa Navarra, a Meeting Point for the Navarrese Community

Casa Navarra has become the heart of this celebration on the Costa del Sol.

The restaurant was founded in 1990 by the Herrero Lacunza family and has since preserved Navarrese cuisine, customs and identity in Mijas.

Its owner, Carlos Herrero, explained that around 2,000 people from Navarra live on the Costa del Sol, many of whom attend this event every year to reconnect with their roots and share the emotion of San Fermín far from Pamplona.

Over the years, however, the celebration has grown beyond the Navarrese community. Residents of Mijas, visitors and tourists now join a festive gathering that combines identity, hospitality and shared tradition.

A Special Celebration After the Restaurant Fire

This year’s edition carried a particularly emotional meaning.

Just two months earlier, Casa Navarra suffered a fire that started in the grill area and forced the restaurant to close temporarily. The blaze caused significant material damage and destroyed part of the venue’s historic decoration, including a collection of embroidered scarves from different Navarrese towns.

Despite the setback, the family managed to reopen in time for one of the most important dates in their calendar.

The return of the chupinazo to Casa Navarra was seen as a symbol of resilience and continuity, showing that the tradition remains as strong as ever.

Music, Red Scarves and Zurracapote

The festive day continued with music, brass bands, dancing and a lively atmosphere that lasted for several hours.

Among those attending, there was no shortage of zurracapote, a traditional drink made with red wine, fruit and spices that is often associated with popular festivals in northern Spain.

For many participants, the celebration in Mijas is a way to stay connected to their roots without travelling to Navarra.

The event also gives those unfamiliar with San Fermín the chance to experience one of Spain’s most recognisable traditions in a close and welcoming setting.

A Tradition That Brings Cultures Together

The chupinazo celebration in Mijas shows how traditions can travel, adapt and take root far from their place of origin.

Promoted for decades by Casa Navarra and supported by Mijas Town Hall, the event has become an example of coexistence between communities.

Every July 6, the Costa del Sol pays its own tribute to San Fermín with a celebration that combines nostalgia, identity and popular joy.

While Pamplona begins its most famous festivities, Mijas proves that traditions do not belong only to a place, but also to the people who keep them alive wherever they are.

Date: July 6
Location: Mijas, Málaga
Main venues: Navarra roundabout and Casa Navarra
Tradition: San Fermín chupinazo on the Costa del Sol
Years of history: 36
Activities: Floral offering, rocket launch, music, dancing and zurracapote tasting

Information source: El Debate