About CAMERAS at the CHUPINAXCO ceremonies on July 6th

If you insist on bringing a camera into this madness of the CHUPINAXCO, we suggest that you wrap your camera completely in a waterproof bag. Or, we suggest that you bring a waterproof camera, due to the huge amounts of champagne, wine, mustard, mayonnaise, eggs, or other colorful condiments and refreshments that participants throw upon each other!  We suggest that you do NOT bring your favorite, expensive digital camera into these crowds - your camera will either be ruined with the above mentioned champagne, wines, etc...or, the professional pickpockets may very well add your camera to their collections of San Fermín contraband!

We suggest that you read our other posts to learn what to expect at the CHUPINAXCO "opening ceremonies" on July 6th, 12 noon, at the Town Hall.

 

BEWARE! TRAGEDY in the BULLRING DOES HAPPEN!

Many of you have written that you are NOT convinced that "so many" serious injuries happen along the bullrun, or in the Plaza de Toros (bullring) in Pamplona.    Here is the account of one young man, whose  story may well convince you that running with bulls, or even "just" running from the "vaquillas" in the bullring, can be a life-altering experience, with permanent, life-damaging consequences: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/07/world/main1783668.shtml

 

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!