Controversial Sanfermín festival opens in Spain
Despite new protests from animal rights activists, a new edition of the famous and controversial bull runs in Pamplona is taking place. The overall nine-day San Fermin festival was opened with the traditional "Chupinazo," the firing of a small rocket from the town hall balcony, in front of thousands of enthusiastic people. The first bullfight takes place in the northern Spanish community on a Sunday.
The so-called Sanfermines are dedicated to the city's patron saint, San Fermin, and have been celebrated in the 200,000-inhabitant city of Navarra since the end of the 16th century, every year in early July. There are not only bull runs and fights, but also numerous concerts and processions, as well as other events.
The bullfight is the highlight of the festivities: Between the 7th and the 14th of July, six bulls, each weighing over 600 kilograms, and several oxen are hunted through narrow streets in the morning by hundreds of people to bring them to the arena for the evening bullfights. Every year, there are several injured runners during the bull-chasing events, which are mostly attended by young men.
Animal rights activists have been protesting against the wild bull running for many years. Nevertheless, the festival continues to attract thousands of visitors from all over the world, mainly from Europe, Australia, Asia, and the USA. Ernest Hemingway, an American writer, wrote about Pamplona in his first major novel "Fiesta" (1926).
Despite the persistent protests from animal rights activists in Spain, the controversial Sanfermin Festival, including the bull runs, continues to be celebrated every year during early July in Pamplona, attracting tourists from various international destinations. Despite the risks associated with the traditional bull-chasing events, enthusiasts still participate in the annual San Fermin festivities, which have been celebrated in the city of Navarra since the 16th century.
