The Sanfermines of Pamplona are one of the most emblematic festivities in Spain. It is celebrated every year in the Navarrese city of Pamplona from July 6 to 14 in honor of San Fermín, the patron saint of the city.
The festival officially begins on July 6 at 12 noon with the launch of the starting rocket, known as the "Chupinazo".Thousands of people gather in the city's main square to witness this exciting event, which marks the beginning of a week of celebrations and fun.
The ''Chupinazo'' takes place on July 6 at 12 noon and is one of the most anticipated moments of the San Fermín festivities.The Plaza del Ayuntamiento is filled with thousands of people dressed in traditional red and white scarves, which are the symbol of the festivities, and which are placed around the neck. The excitement is palpable in the atmosphere, and people hug each other and sing while waiting for the rocket to launch.
When the moment arrives, the mayor of Pamplona comes out to the balcony of City Hall with the rocket in his hand. After a countdown, he launches the rocket into the air and there is an explosion of joy in the square. The shouts of "Long live San Fermín!" Resound everywhere as people hug and kiss each other as a sign of joy and the start of the festivities.
During the Sanfermines , the city becomes a sea of people dressed in white and red, the traditional colors of the festival. Participants wear white shirts and red scarves around their necks, and some also wear white pants and red sashes. Traditional costumes, alsoknown as "chulapos", are an important part of the culture and history of the festival.
But what really makes the famous Sanfermines are the running of the bulls, a bull race that takes place every morning at 8 o'clock. The bulls are released into the streets of the city and run towards the bullring, where the bullfight takes place in the afternoon. The runners try to run in front of the bulls along the course, which lasts about 825 meters, and reach the bullring safely. This event attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year and is one of the most exciting moments of the Sanfermines.
However, the bulls are also very dangerous. Over the years, there have been many accidents and serious injuries. For this reason, participants are required to register and follow certain rules and safety measures. Runners must be in good physical shape and know what they are doing before participating in the running of the bulls.
In addition to the running of the bulls, there are many other activities and events during the Sanfermines. The streets are full of music, dancing and food. The Plaza del Castillo is a popular place to enjoy music and the festive atmosphere. Thegiants and bigheads, enormous figures made of paper.
Theorigin of the Sanfermines dates back to the 13th century, when San Fermín, the city's patron saint, was martyred in Amiens, France. The traditionbegan to be celebrated in Pamplona in the 16th century, when the image of the saint was brought from the French city and became the patron saint of the city.
The first document writing that refers tothe celebration of Sanfermines dates back to 1591, in whicha procession that was carried out in honor of the saint is mentioned. From then on, the festival began to take shape and incorporate new traditions and celebrations.
During the 18th century, the San Fermín festival began to acquire the character it has today. Bullfights, fireworks, peñas and comparsas were incorporated, and little by little the festival became the popular celebration that we know today.
The Running of the Bulls, one of the most popular events of the Sanfermines, began to be celebrated at the end of the 19th century. The running of the bulls consists of running in front of six bulls and several halters from the corrals to the bullring, and although they can be dangerous, they are one of the most exciting experiences that can be had during the Sanfermines. /p>
Over the years, the Sanfermines have seen ups and downs in popularity and have been the subject of controversy due to the cruelty of the running of the bulls and bullfights. However, the festival has survived and remainsone of the most beloved and anticipated celebrations in Spain.
For all this, we could say that the Sanfermines are a festival that has its roots in the 13th century and that has been developing and transforming over the centuries. Today, the festival is known throughout the world and attracts millions of people seeking to experience the joy and festive atmosphere of the city of Pamplona.
