Spain's San Fermín festival opens with cry of 'Free Palestine'

The San Fermín festival, Spain's most internationally known celebration, kicked off on Sunday with the traditional chupinazo rocket, and with a solidarity cry of "Long Live Free Palestine." This year, the chupinazo from the balcony of Pamplona's City Hall was launched by representatives of Yala Nafarroa, a platform that brings together 225 associations and more than 1,700 people.

They were chosen by popular vote to open nine uninterrupted days of festivities. As is tradition every July 6, the launch coordinators first shouted, "Pamplonesas, pamploneses, ¡Viva San Fermín!" before lighting the rocket's fuse. They then read messages in Spanish and English, calling for an end to what they described as the "genocide" in Gaza and voicing support for a "free Palestine," as the packed square and surrounding streets echoed with cheers. Many in the crowd were visitors from abroad.

Solidarity with Palestine was also visible on flags and banners draped from balconies, bearing messages such as "Stop genocide." Large balloons with similar slogans floated over the crowds. For several hours before the official launch, thousands of people had filled the square and nearby streets. No major incidents were reported. Most attendees wore the traditional white shirts and red neckerchiefs, eager to enjoy the mix of religious and civic events, particularly the famed bull runs each morning, which are followed by bullfights in the afternoon. "These are festivals like no other - the best in the world," said a reveler, capturing the spirit of the massive gathering. The global appeal of San Fermín was reflected once again this year, with 140 media outlets from 13 countries and 450 accredited journalists covering the event. EFE mg-sk