PAMPLONA, Spain – Thousands of revelers sprayed each other with sparkling wine and the mayor of this northeastern city launched a skyrocket at noon Friday to start Spain’s most famous festival, the San Fermin running of the bulls.
“Men and women of Pamplona, viva San Fermin!” Mayor Yolanda Barcina shouted from the city hall balcony. Crowds packed the town hall square, most dressed in the traditional garb of white shirts and trousers, and red handkerchiefs.
Residents threw water on the revelers from balconies to cool them off.
The launch of the skyrocket, known as the “chupinazo,” began the nine-day fiesta that was popularized internationally by Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel “The Sun Also Rises” and centers around the daily running of the bulls.
The first bull run takes place today. The spectacle, repeated each day until July 14, is broadcast live on Spanish television.
The festival, held since 1591, attracts tens of thousands of people. Many had spent the night drinking and partying.
In the runs, which take place at 8 a.m. daily, people test their mettle and stamina by racing with six bulls along a 875-yard route from a corral to the city bullring. The bulls are fought by professional bullfighters each afternoon.
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