Black Pamplona Festival Concludes with Theatrical Flair, Noir Gastronomy, and Musical finale
The Black Pamplona festival, a celebration of the noir genre, bid farewell to Baluarte and the Navarre capital this afternoon, marking the end of its XI edition. After five days of suspense, crime stories, and cinematic explorations, the festival wrapped up with a final day packed with theatrical performances, black gastronomy, and a musical journey through the sounds of noir.
The festival, which will not return to Pamplona until 2026, brought together around 25 national and international authors, offering a rich program of roundtables, interviews, and stage performances. The final day began at the Palacio del Condestable, where the Theatrical Route took center stage. Under the title Building Veronica, the UPNA Theater Group presented a series of monologues performed continuously, allowing the audience to experiance the performances in small groups. Directed by Óscar Orzaiz and Jaione Urtasun, the sessions were held at 11:00, 12:00, and 1:00 p.m., with remaining spots available only for the Basque-language sessions. Registrations, which are free, can be made through www.pamplonanegra.com.
Following the theatrical performances, the festival transitioned to the realm of black gastronomy. Chef Enrique Martínez Burón led the culinary experience with the World on the Plate, offering an international and daring menu that captivated attendees. Unluckily, all spots for this unique dining experience were fully booked, leaving many eager participants waiting for the next prospect.
The day’s activities returned to Baluarte in the afternoon, where the festival hosted two compelling interviews. At 6:00 p.m., the Chamber Room welcomed English author Sj Bennett, who discussed her novels featuring Queen Elizabeth II as the protagonist and investigator. Bennett, making her first appearance in Spain as a writer, presented her work Palace Things in an interview conducted in English, with simultaneous translation available. The event was moderated by Pamplona-based editor María Ostet, and attendees were required to leave their ID as a deposit for translation devices.
The festival concluded with a musical journey through the sounds of noir, led by musician Mikel Salas. This final performance provided a fitting end to a week-long exploration of the genre, blending suspense, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Key Highlights of Black Pamplona 2025
| Event | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Theatrical Route | Monologues by UPNA Theater Group, directed by Óscar Orzaiz and Jaione Urtasun |
| Black Gastronomy | Chef Enrique Martínez Burón’s The world on the Plate* |
| Author Interviews | Sj Bennett discusses her novels featuring Queen Elizabeth II |
| Musical Finale | Mikel Salas takes the audience on a journey through noir sounds |
As the curtains close on Black Pamplona, fans of the noir genre can look forward to its return in 2026. Until then,the memories of this year’s festival will linger,a testament to the enduring allure of mystery,crime,and artistic innovation.
For more facts about the festival and its future editions, visit www.pamplonanegra.com.Pamplona Negra 2025: A Night of Crime, Sound, and Storytelling
The Pamplona Negra festival concluded its 2025 edition with a gripping evening of crime storytelling and noir-inspired music, leaving audiences captivated. The event, held at the Camera Room, featured two standout sessions that explored the dark allure of crime through words and sound.
At 7:00 p.m., renowned Leridano journalist and writer Carles Porta took the stage for an interview titled Tell Me a Crime. Porta, known for his meticulous research and compelling narratives, delved into some of the most harrowing crimes of recent years. The session was moderated by the festival’s director, Susana Rodríguez Lezaun, who guided the conversation with insightful questions. Porta’s ability to weave intricate details into his stories kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
“Crime is not just about the act itself; it’s about the human stories behind it,” Porta remarked during the interview. His works, which often blur the line between journalism and literature, have earned him a reputation as a master storyteller in the true crime genre.
The evening reached its crescendo at 8:00 p.m. with a unique performance by musician and composer Mikel Salas. Titled Crime Sounds, the session took attendees on an auditory journey through the world of noir. Salas’s compositions, rich with tension and mystery, perfectly encapsulated the essence of the genre.
“Music has the power to evoke emotions that words alone cannot,” Salas explained. His performance, a blend of haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes, served as the perfect finale to the festival.
Both events were free to attend, with entry granted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity was reached. The festival’s commitment to accessibility ensured that crime enthusiasts from all walks of life could partake in the experience.
Key Highlights of Pamplona Negra 2025
| Event | Time | Featured Artist | Theme |
|———————–|————|—————————|—————————-|
| Tell Me a Crime | 7:00 p.m. | Carles Porta | Crime storytelling |
| Crime Sounds | 8:00 p.m. | Mikel Salas | Noir-inspired music |
The Pamplona negra festival continues to be a beacon for crime aficionados, offering a platform for artists and writers to explore the darker facets of human nature. As the curtains closed on this year’s edition, attendees were left eagerly anticipating what the next installment will bring.
For more information on upcoming events, visit the official Pamplona Negra website. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the world of crime and noir—mark your calendars for 2026!
