The San Fermín Festival: A Week of Thrills and Cheers

Hey readers, today I am here with a very interesting blogpost about a festival that kicks off right today! As you can remember from one of my previous blogs, I highlighted an unusual festival called Chamayavillaku. Similarly, this festival also includes one unique unusuality: running bulls. I can understand well that you guys have already started guessing it, or rather, already guessed it. So let's start our journey to explore it!

Are you a Bollywood fan? Have you watched the movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara? You might be thinking, Why am I asking such questions all of a sudden? My dear readers, the film I am talking about has shown this festival very well through its artistic cinematography. If you can recall, Katrina Kaif's character mentioned the name of the festival, which is none other than San Fermín, one of Spain's most renowned festivals. Spanning an entire week, this extravaganza takes place every July in Pamplona, a city located in the northern region of Navarre.

Bull-running scene of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

The San Fermin Festival dates back to the beginning of the 12th century and is held in commemoration of Saint Fermin, who is also Navarre's co-patron saint. Fermin was a Christian saint who, according to mythology, was killed in ancient Rome for refusing to forsake his beliefs. Later, in the 12th century, his bones were located in Amiens, France, and sent back to Pamplona. The event originated as a religious feast in memory of this respected saint.

Saint San Farmin

The festival's religious components gradually gave way to a more secular celebration over time. Bull-Running was first included as a major festival event in the 16th century. It is also known as ‘encierro’. It immediately became well-known and an essential component of the San Fermin experience. Without a doubt, the San Fermin Festival's most recognisable feature is the legendary "Running of the Bulls." 

The "Chupinazo," a symbolic rocket launch that occurs on July 6th and marks the start of the celebrations, signals the festival's formal start. Excited attendees hoist their red scarves in advance of the rocket's launch, which marks the beginning of the exciting bull-running event. A last rocket is shot to mark the conclusion of the competition immediately as the bulls reach the arena.

Launch of Chupinazo

A pack of bulls is let loose into the streets of Pamplona every morning for seven days straight. It commences at noon on July 6 and extends until midnight on July 14; courageous participants, known as "mozos," run alongside them. The bulls had to be moved from their corrals to the bullring in order to participate in the bullfights, which is where this exhilarating sight first emerged.

Bull-Running

It is crucial to make it evident that no one knowingly sacrifices their life during the San Fermin Festival. Although participating in the running of the bulls might be hazardous, participants are not there to die. Yet, collisions and injuries have happened throughout the event, and it is important to comprehend the reasons why people prefer to engage in such dangerous activities. Some people are lured by the thrill of adrenaline and the challenge of taking on danger. Those looking for an uncommon experience may be drawn in by the event's blend of anxiety, excitement, and uniqueness.

Many people find that taking part in the running of the bulls is a way to respect and strengthen their ties to their cultural heritage. It is a custom that has been passed down through the centuries and represents the festival's theme of bravery and fortitude. Some people band together with friends or complete strangers to take on the challenge collectively. Being able to finish the race without being hurt might give one a sense of satisfaction and success. Within the greater group of San Fermin aficionados, this common experience forges a connection and a sense of belonging.

The San Fermin Festival includes a wide range of other customs and festivities in addition to the heart-pounding running of the bulls. The city comes alive with music, dancing, traditional processions, fireworks, and street entertainment across the week.

On the seventh of July, thousands of people assemble to accompany the Saint Fermin statue from the fifteenth century around Pamplona's historic district, which serves as the festival's main attraction. Along with dancers and street performers, the monument also features a number of political and religious leaders, including the city mayor and the bishop of Pamplona. The tone for the ceremony is established by the Bishop leading a solemn High Mass before the procession.

In honor of the saint, a mesmerizing Jota, an old traditional dance, is performed throughout the way. A rose is gently given at the Saint Fermin well on a special occasion. The parade also features the "gigantes," who come to life, whirling and dancing to the deafening peals of the cathedral bell called María (Mary). In honor of the patron saint, Mass is celebrated at the city's cathedral and other parishes.

Every morning, a grand procession takes place featuring gigantes y cabezudos, magnificent giant figures that are over 150 years old. These remarkable creations were crafted by Tadeo Amorena, a painter from Pamplona, in 1860. They depict four pairs of kings and queens from diverse races and regions—Europe, Asia, America, and Africa. Standing at an impressive height of approximately 4 metres (13 feet) each, these giants are carried by skilled dancers within wooden structures. During the parade, the giants gracefully danced to the beat of traditional music.

Additionally, there are 17 other figures that accompany them, including 6 kilikis, 5 big-heads, and 6 zaldikos. These additional figures were built between 1860 and 1941 at different points in time. Kilikis and big-heads are whimsical human-like figurines made to be worn as headwear. The height of a big-headed mask can exceed one metre (3.3 ft), whereas kilikis are a little lower. As they lead the parade in front of the giants, the big heads play a part in greeting the onlookers by waving their hands. Kilikis, on the other hand, chases after kids in a fun manner and lightly strikes them with a foam truncheon. The zaldikos, or horse and rider figures, also participate in the pursuit of kids with their truncheons.

There are more one-day events that occur during this festival. For example, Riau-Riau, Struendo, and Pobre de mi (farewell to the long day event). Residents and guests may see and take part in this religious festival since the procession path frequently travels through famous city streets and monuments. It's a chance for the neighbourhood to get together, celebrate Saint Fermin, and share its rich cultural and religious legacy.

The festival's traditional outfit consists of white garments, red scarves, and sashes. Historical accounts indicate that in the early years of the festival, attendees wore white attire to signify purity and reverence for the event's religious origins. The "pauelo," a red scarf or sash, symbolises Saint Fermin's blood.

Pobre De Mi

The use of colour gives the participants a stunning and cohesive aspect. As everyone adheres to a uniform dress code that distinguishes them as participants in the San Fermin festival, it develops a sense of friendship and community spirit. It encourages a sense of community and harmony among festival visitors.

Ernest Hemingway, a significant American author, had a significant role in the San Fermn Festival's rise to fame abroad. Hemingway was enthralled by the festival's enthusiasm and vitality when he visited Pamplona in the 1920s. He gave the occasion eternal life in his book "The Sun Also Rises," popularising San Fermin and bringing it to the attention of the world's readers and writers.

Ernest Hemingway

Visitors can partake in different cultural activities and concerts hosted throughout the festival in addition to the bullfights, as well as native cuisine and beverages. San Fermin offers an amazing experience that blends excitement, tradition, and a profound understanding of the area's history, whether one chooses to take in the vibrant ambiance of the city streets or see the fascinating running of the bulls.