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Pamplona and the San Fermín festival
We all love the San Fermín festival, but what do the people of Pamplona think? Discover some very interesting and surprising opinions.
Talking about Spain without mentioning San Fermín is difficult. Since Hemingway discovered Pamplona and its running of the bulls, millions of people have passed through the city to experience seven days of uninterrupted celebration.
Why have they been so successful? Firstly, we believe it is because it is not the "typical" Spanish festival: in Pamplona, we won't see flamenco stages, gypsy dresses, or guitars; but at the same time, it preserves something as "distinctly Spanish" as the bull. Secondly, because that romantic idea of the brave Spaniard who fears nothing and risks his life for honor is fulfilled by the Pamplona runners. Thirdly, because if something impressed a great traveler and bon vivant like Hemingway, it is truly worth traveling thousands of miles for.
But, what do the inhabitants of Pamplona think of their most universal festival? Well... opinions are mixed. Some are delighted that their big festival is known worldwide and, above all, many bars and shops manage to make more sales during the festival week than in the rest of the year; which secures the annual economy for quite a few families. Others believe that the party has gotten too out of hand and is no longer "Pamplonese," as what it has gained in international status, it has lost in local character. Quite a few residents of the city take their vacations precisely from July 7th to 14th to leave the city and relax far from the hustle and bustle, so you can imagine what they think. Many feel proud that San Fermín is famous due to a novel written by a Nobel Prize winner.
Knowing the opinions of the city's inhabitants, one might wonder: is the Pamplona we see on the news every July truly real, or is this party and bullfighting city just a temporary stage? Think of a respectable lady who dresses up every Carnival to go out partying.
Anyway, forgive our poetic-philosophical digression. We truly believe that the best thing is for you to come to Pamplona several times a year and get to know the city in both its versions. It’s worth it... a lot.