San Fermin 2016

[MendiWalker]

Deleted by MendiWalker

 

[Castilian]

San Fermín festival is an absolute nightmare for pilgrims looking for solitude, introspection and spiritual growth. That sort of pilgrims should avoid it like the plague.

All the pilgrims should know beforehand the dates of the festival (July 6th to July 14th) so they aren't surprised by it and they can plan accordingly (accommodations...).

 

[Kanga]

Rule 2 forbids discussion of bull fights. I have removed some posts. It is useful for members to have information about how San Fermin affects Pamplona (no vacant accommodation) but otherwise the topic is off limits.

 

[SYates]

And even if you book longtime in advance, accommodation prices in Pamplona absolutely skyrock (spelling?) during San Fermin. Best, imo, to sleep the night before in Trinidad de Arre and cross the city as early as possible, or, even safer, avoid these dates all together. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Pabloke]

San Fermín was one of the first christians in Pamplona, son of a Roman tribune, and became the first bishop of the town. They say that the typical red scarf is a representation of the Saint's blood (he died decapitated in Amiens).

Sanfermines is much more than bullfights and running of the bulls, more than crowd and binge. One can find religious acts, musical and cultural shows and folklore. Like many massive festivals, this can be funny or annoying, delightful or disgusting, depending on what we like or want.


In the Middle Age the fiesta (religious) was celebrated in October, but then it was moved to July to coincide with the cattle fair.

Love it or hate it but don't reduce it to bulls and alcohol.

 

[Castilian]

San Fermín was one of the first christians in Pamplona

...and it's said he was baptized by San Saturnino. Note: San Saturnino is the Patron Saint of Pamplona.

One can find religious acts, musical and cultural shows and folklore

...and acts for kids, sports...

Pilgrims should know about the problems with accommodation on those dates (difficult to find, expensive....). Pilgrims should be aware that crowds may make walking/navigating the city more difficult than in any other dates. Crowds also fill bars, restaurants... Pilgrims should be aware too that the route of the running of the bulls partly overleaps with the route of the Camino Francés what means you have to walk that part either well before the start of the running of the bulls or once the running of the bulls is ended. Note: the running of the bulls starts at 8:00 a.m. but the route is closed before and people go early to get a good place to see it. Be aware too that, as in other festivals, you can find noise, some drunk people...

If there are pilgrims interested in attending to some of the festival activities (e.g.: a concert, a parade, a folklore show...), they should ask for list of acts to be aware of all what's available on their travel date(s) and among the activities that may be of their interest see which ones aren't already full.

 

[peregrina2000]

This is too late for this year, but the hospitalero at the albergue in Tiebas (on the Aragones, not far from Puente la Reina) will let pilgrims stay several nights there during San Fermines. Since Tiebas is about 14 (?) kms from Pamplona, there are frequent buses back and forth, so peole can retreat to quiet when they get their fill of the craziness. And no price gouging. .

 

[Castilian]

San Fermin ended this year when everyone sang "Pobre De Mi ".

What ended was San Fermín Festival; not San Fermín (the saint).

one day less to next year.

...and a lot of work to make before (and during) next year's festival to get a festival without rapes and sexual assaults.