Pamplona’s Casa de la Misericordia stands as a historic charity institution founded by the city council in 1706 to support those in poverty. Over centuries, it has evolved into a beacon of community care, guided by donations from residents and a steady stream of municipal support. The house has become a symbol of local generosity and public responsibility, and its ongoing mission reflects the city’s longstanding commitment to social welfare.
As noted by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the center received national recognition to align with the centennial of the Plaza de Toros administration in Pamplona, the capital of Navarra. The jury highlighted the center’s exceptional diligence in organizing and promoting bullfighting events that have helped give Pamplona and its renowned festival global visibility. This acknowledgment underscores how cultural heritage and social service can intersect to create lasting impact within a community.
In addition to the ceremonial prize, the jury praised the bullfighting world’s traditional solidarity with social causes. The award reflects a shared sense of responsibility, where the spectacle of bullfighting is tied to charitable work that benefits people in need, reinforcing the public value of cultural traditions when directed toward social good.
Casa de la Misericordia de Pamplona traces its origins to 1706, when municipal authorities established the institution to care for vulnerable residents. Early support came from private donations and various municipal grants, forming a durable network of community assistance. Over time, the center’s operations expanded, integrating broader social services while maintaining its historic role in the civic landscape of Pamplona.
In 1922, the Pamplona City Council commissioned a new arena project for Casa de la Misericordia after transferring a land parcel to the institution. Since then, the organization has hosted multiple bullfighting festivals in the city, including the Feria del Toro. Since the 1980s, these events have increasingly focused on aiding the most vulnerable segments of society, using proceeds to fund social programs, shelter, education, and healthcare initiatives that directly benefit residents of Pamplona and surrounding areas. The world-famous San Fermín bull run remains closely linked to the center’s social mission, with its income supporting ongoing charitable work while continuing to celebrate regional culture and tradition. [Citations: Ministry of Culture and Sports; City of Pamplona records]