Spain's 'Running of the Bulls' Festival Opens in Pamplona

Pamplona, Spain, erupted in celebration on Monday as the renowned San Fermin Festival officially commenced, drawing over 12,000 revelers to the city center. The festival, globally recognized for its thrilling running of the bulls, kicked off with the traditional 'Chupinazo' ceremony.

A rocket was fired from the town hall balcony, signaling the start of the festivities. Crowds packed the plaza, celebrating with wine and grape juice, waving red scarves, singing, and chanting the name of the patron saint, San Fermin. The vibrant atmosphere set the stage for the week-long event.

The main event, the running of the bulls, is set to begin Tuesday morning and will occur daily until July 14. Each day, six fighting bulls, weighing approximately 600 kilograms each, will be released into the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. They will run along an 848-meter course towards the bullring, with hundreds of participants running ahead of them.

While the event is a major draw for tourists worldwide, it also carries inherent risks. Dozens of people are injured annually, and tragically, 16 fatalities have been recorded since 1924. In the evenings, some of the bulls that participated in the runs are killed in bullfights. Animal rights activists were present, protesting the tradition with symbolic displays.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway's novel "The Sun Also Rises," which prominently featured the running of the bulls and significantly contributed to its international fame. The festival, with roots dating back to the late 16th century, honors Pamplona's patron saint.