SPAIN: SAN FERMÍN FESTIVAL KICKS OFF WITH TRIBUTE TO PALESTINE
The streets of Pamplona are bustling with crowds as the city gears up for the San Fermín festivities. In the emblematic Plaza Consistorial, the Yala Nafarroa platform for Palestine had the honor of initiating the celebrations with the iconic chupinazo.
The San Fermín festivities have officially begun in Pamplona, Spain. Dyna Kharrat, Lidón Soriano, and Eduardo Ibero were chosen to light the chupinazo (firework) on behalf of the Yala Nafarroa platform. This platform, selected by Navarra, brings together 225 collectives and over 1,700 individuals "to fight against genocide and occupation and for a free Palestine."
"Pamplonesas, pamploneses, Viva San Fermín! Iruindarrak, Gora San Fermín!" they proclaimed, followed by "Free Palestine, long live free Palestine," before launching the chupinazo that signals the start of the San Fermín celebrations. Mayor Joseba Asirón had previously described the festivities as a "wonderful madness."
Regarding the choice of Yala Nafarroa for this year's chupinazo, Asirón added: "Pamplona, even at the happiest time of the year, does not forget that a real genocide is underway in other parts of the world."
An Impressive Spectacle
Over 25,000 people gathered in the streets of Pamplona to witness this historic moment, with more than 14,000 filling the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Witnesses described the atmosphere as "indescribable" as a sea of red scarves waved in the wind after the rocket's launch.
For the seventh consecutive year, Pamplona pyrotechnician Andrea López Lana, through her company Pirotecnia Fiesta, was the technical mastermind behind the chupinazo. The rocket, containing 20 grams of gunpowder, was launched precisely from the city hall balcony—a tradition maintained since 1941 when it was moved from Plaza del Castillo.
Enhanced Security and Guaranteed Services
Despite an indefinite strike called by Pamplona's local urban transport company, minimum services of 70 percent operated "without incident," ensuring the mobility of attendees.
Local police established security checkpoints from 10 AM in the five streets leading to the square, checking for dangerous items such as glass bottles or umbrellas. The police stated they had reinforced their Pamplona detachment for Sanfermines 2025 with nearly 1,000 officers. The City Council had previously announced increased road surveillance during the festival afternoons and evenings and introduced a new "panic button" on urban buses.
Festivities Begin with a Flourish
Immediately after the chupinazo, the city immersed itself in the festive program. At 1:30 PM, the folklore festival began in Plaza de los Fueros with performances by 14 traditional dance groups, including Amaiur, Ardantzeta, Basakaitz, and DanTXaldi.
The afternoon continues with the departure of the Giants and Big Heads from the bus station at 5:00 PM, followed by the bullfight in the arena at 6:30 PM. The Solemn Vespers of San Fermín are scheduled for 8:00 PM in the saint's chapel in San Lorenzo Church, with the participation of the Cathedral Musical Chapel and the Navarra Symphony Orchestra.
An Internationally Renowned Festival
Hotel occupancy has reached record levels, with an estimated 83 percent occupancy throughout the nine days of the festival, once again confirming Sanfermines' international appeal.
The first show of the 24th International Fireworks Competition will close the day at 11 PM with "Fantaisies scéniques" by the French pyrotechnics company F.C. Pyro. Music will then take over various stages across the city until the early hours of the morning and the first bull run of 2025, featuring bulls from Fuente Ymbro.
