Today at twelve p.m. sharp one of the world’s largest and most famous festivals began here in Pamplona – Las Fiestas de San Fermin. With the rocket that the mayoress launched from the balcony of town hall, above a crowd full of wine and champagne covered people that resembled a sea more than anything else, Pamplona commenced its celebration. The plaza in front of town hall remained jubilant for an hour or so, and then the party spread to the surrounding streets, where residents dumped buckets of water and wine from balconies onto the people below, and bars filled with foreigners and natives alike at one in the afternoon.

Festivities will continue with fireworks tonight (and every night) at 11 p.m. in the Ciudadela, and the city will party until after the encierro each morning, which begins at 8 a.m. and ends by 8:05 a.m. Let the nocturnal sleep schedule begin!

[View with PicLens]