Pamplona
The Festival of San Fermin - which includes the famous Running of the Bulls - has put Pamplona on the map. For nine manic days in July, this sleepy provincial capital comes alive, as perhaps Europe's wildest festival kicks off.
The 'Encierro' or Running of the Bulls is the best known event of the Fiesta of San Fermin. Held each morning from 4 July to 11 July inclusive, the Running features scores of brave (crazy?) locals and visitors running in the path of enraged and confused bulls, as they make their way through the streets of the town to the bullring. Every year there are heroes, casualties, and the exhilaration of this unique and dangerous spectacle.
The Procession of San Fermin is another highlight of the festival, as the crowds move through the streets, and the focus turns to the religious significance of the festival. Inevitably enough, most of the festival-goers end the day in one of Pamplona's numerous bars and clubs, which are kept busy throughout the nine days of San Fermin.
|
