Are there FIREWORKS during the SAN FERMIN fiestas??

You may enjoy knowing that the world's most outstanding fireworks displays happen each night of the sanfermines, beginning at 11pm, at the Parque de la Ciudadela....These fabulous fireworks are free and open to the public!! Watch this video for a preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4e93beqWZc

We suggest that you bring a blanket to sit on, as often the grass is wet with late night dampness and/or sangria, wines and other assorted refreshments. From the area of the Town Hall, follow the pedestrians on Calle Nueva, heading to the fireworks extravaganzas.....At the end of Calle Nueva, cross the intersecting streets at the Hotel Tres Reyes.....and, follow the pedestrians who are all headed to the ancient Roman fortifications, where the fireworks take place...Enjoy! (We never miss this event!!)

What are the words to the PRAYER to SAN FERMIN, and when is the prayer said?

Many of you have asked us about the PRAYER to San Fermín. First, the prayer is not recited, as in traditional prayers. This prayer is sung - you may hear the chant here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87zYW-Y32hM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJQZF13fKAk&NR=1 These are the Spanish words to the prayer: A San Fermín pedimos, por ser nuestro patrón, nos guíe en el encierro, dándonos su bendición!! English translation: To San Fermín, we ask - for being our Patron Saint - guide us in the bullrun, giving us your blessing!! This prayer is sung at three minutes before the bullrun, at two minutes before the bullrun and at one minute before the bullrun, at the statue of San Fermín, which is placed in a special niche, designed for this purpose, on Calle Santo Domingo, which is the first segment of the bullrun. Please note: Chanting this prayer before the release of six wild, frightened bulls does not guarantee a successful bullrun, without mishaps, however. VIVA SAN FERMIN! GORA SAN FERMIN!

THIRD STEP of the SAN FERMIN LADDER!

Today is March 3rd, and this means that we have officially climbed to the THIRD STEP of the San Fermín Stairway! First of January, 2nd of February, 3rd of March!!.....Today is the perfect excuse to enjoy some chilled sangria, to throw some of this chilled sangria onto unsuspecting friends, and to remember that the sanfermines, 2011, are rapidly approaching!! VIVA SAN FERMIN!  GORA SAN FERMIN!

More thoughts about the CHUPINAXCO!

We need to emphasize again that if you are bothered by huge crowds, it will be best for you to STAY OUT of this CHUPINAXCO activity!  There are only about 2500 sq. meters of ground space in the Town Hall Square (called the Plaza Consistorial), and there are an estimated 13,000 very wild revelers pushing their way into the Square, all at the same time!  In simpler terms, there are about 5 to 6 persons crushed into EACH sq. meter of ground space! 

Also, because of these unforgiving crowds, and because of the fact that once you get into the Square, you cannot get out....we caution you about bringing valuables into the Square with you!!  Do NOT bring cash, passports, wallets, jewelry, watches, hotel/room keys, etc into this crowded madness of the CHUPINAXCO, as professional pickpockets love this event, too!

Being all this as it may be, we do love the CHUPINAXCO!!......so much fun to celebrate the opening ceremonies with our family and friends from Pamplona!  If you are serious about watching this spectacle from a safe location, we encourage you to write to us at maria@bullbalcony.com  We have a very limited number of balcony places remaining for the 2011 CHUPINAXCO!  We'll see you there, at 12 noon, July 6th!!

Is there an INTERNET Café in the old city, Pamplona??

The one and only Internet café in the old city, Pamplona, is the "Kuria Net", located at Calle Curia, # 15, in the heart of the fiesta.  This internet café usually opens by about 10:30am, daily, depending on the late night hours of the employees who work there!  This past San Fermín fiesta, 2010, it was open by about 11am, each morning, at the latest.  "Kuria Net" is usually open until about 11pm, each night.