Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
107.
San Fermín, Pamplona
The origins of this festival date back to the 16
th
century, but it wasn't until a hundred years
later that its best-known feature, the
running of the bulls
,
was introduced. After
Ernest Hem-
ingway
described the festival in his novel
The Sun Also Rises
, it became popular in the
Anglo-Saxon world. These days it is an international event.
San Fermín starts every year on July 7th, when the
tzupinazo
(a rocket launched from the
city hall balcony) marks the start of the festivities. If you want to try your luck at bull-run-
ning, there's one race or
encierro
(literally “confinement”) every morning at 8 AM. You
must make absolutely sure that you know all the
rules
to run without putting yourself or oth-
ers in danger. For example: Running before the bulls when drunk is a very, very bad idea.
Other attractions include the
Procession ofSan Fermín
(the patron saint ofthe city), a
parade
of Giants and Bigheads
, fireworks, the traditional Basque sports competitions and, well,
drinking (though of course, that's not a requirement to have a good time, and also not free).
You can also see
bullfighting
in the city's bullring after every race.
Image Credit: A crowded street in Pamplona. Image by
Viajar24h.com
.
When It's Free
