YOPT...you only Pamplona twice. This past week I was so happy I got to go to Pamplona twice. I have two very different expereinces, the first was the party part and the second more of the traditional part. When my friends and I went on Saturday night (the first day of the festival) it was insane. The streets were packed and everyone was having a great time. We got to see fireworks and then we made our way to the bars. Since it was so crowded our group of 7 couldn't seem to stay together. At the hour of 5:30 we were all seperated and I was forced to make some new Spanish friends. When I finally looked at my watch the hour was 7 and I was no where near the bus station for my 7:30 bus. Well it was such a nice morning I hung out with my new amigos and then made my way home at 12. Needless to say the day was a bit long but it was one of the most fun night I have every had. However, I did not see any bulls (or so I think) so round 2 on Wednesday was a definite must. We woke up super early (4 am) and got to sit in the bull ring at the end. It was so cool to see everything we had learned about in class in real time like the el cantico and the el encierro (it does only last like 2 minutes). When the bulls actually came running into the ring it was so exciting. Then they would let out one at a time who would run around and basically just gun it for people. Everyone was pretty much on the bulls side and I am not going to lie I kind of liked seeing the bulls take people out. My favorite part was definetely the el cantico at the beginning because it was the most traditional part and showed the true excitment and pride that the Spanish people have for their festivals. It almost seemed like an entire city/country had come together as one for one huge party (can we please get these in america?). I would definetely return with friends to go again just so they can experience it themselves because talking about it will do it no justice. I have absolutely no desire to run in the el encierro with the bulls, but I am positive some of my friends would. I also got a newspaper from the day as a keepsake! (thanks mom for the idea). I did not get a chance to try the food :( however we did get a chance to try the drinks which were still flowing at 9 am after the running. However, I would have loved to have the chocolate y churros because it was still a little cold in the morning and misting. I think San Fermines is a tradition and a beautiful festival. Although it is cruel to the bulls I think that it is such a long tradition that it has to continue. There are not legal festivals like this in the EEUU. The closest thing I can think of is chicken fighting or dog fighting, which are both illegal and down underground. I think one of the reasons something like this can exist in Spain is basically tradition. It has been going on for centuries and a lot of people would be upset if it was outlawed. Enjoy the pictures !! ( I know I did)
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