
Since 1982, the
3rd December has marked the big day in this region, coinciding with the celebration of San Francisco Javier, the Patron Saint of Navarre whose
castle sits majestically in the region.
To commemorate the occasion, the Government organises a packed schedule of institutional and cultural events. Particularly outstanding are the guided tours of the
Palace of Navarre, the Kingdom of Navarre remembrance act held in the former Palace of the
Kings of Navarre in Pamplona (the current location of the Royal and
General Archive of Navarre), and the handing over of the
Gold Medal of Navarre. This latter is the highest honour awarded by the Government in a solemn act that takes place in the Isabelino cloister of the Department of Culture headquarters, located next to the city's
cathedral.
On this day, it is tradition for numerous choirs and music bands to begin their concerts, simultaneously performing the Hymn of Navarre.
As the verse of the jota goes, "
Not a province, or a region, Navarre is a continent..." so mark the date in your calendar and come and discover it for yourself.
Did you know that...?
Desde 1978 en Baigorri, pequeña localidad de "La Baja Navarra" (región del País Vasco Francés), celebran en abril esta
fiesta de hermandad exclusivamente entre navarros de ambas vertientes del Pirineo.