Hello, all!
I’m writing this in greeting and to introduce myself before we head into San Fermin. As you can see in my bio, I have been a student here in Pamplona for the past five months through an exchange program with my university at home, the University of Missouri. I’m a dual major in Photojournalism and Spanish.
Next week will be my very first San Fermin experience. As I’ve gotten closer to this festival, and with it the end of my stay here in Pamplona, my expectations have changed as often as the weather here (which is saying something), but I have consistently become more excited. I’ve talked with countless people about what their opinion of San Fermin is, if they’ve been here for the festival before, how it compares to other huge and famous festivals like Las Fallas in Valencia, and exactly how ridiculous this city becomes. The general consensus is that the first half of the week is a complete ‘locura’, madness really, and that it’s really good fun for young people. The city will change completely, and you’ll hear English everywhere you go, I’m told. The cleanest city I’ve ever lived in will become dirty and even the street sweepers, that drive through town every night around 2 a.m., can’t keep the mess at bay. Signs will go up to help direct people who are not from Pamplona, the Ciudadela – the old fort-turned-park in the middle of the city – will be fenced off all week due to the fireworks shows that launch from there every night. People will sleep in the streets, or not sleep at all.
Changes are already starting. ‘Ya falta menos!’ – there are only a few days left til San Fermin! Today is July 1st, and the firecracker that the mayoress will light on the 6th at noon will start the festivities. 5 days. Stands are being set up, there are public restrooms being put along main streets, and signs are already being posted for changes in bus routes. Stores that have never sold anything but specialty items are now also selling ridiculous souveniers and San Fermin clothes are in every window. If you’re feeling adventurous, the tattoo parlor even has San Fermin thongs. Personally, the change I like the least is that people have stopped speaking to me in Spanish. My entire stay here, wherever I go, shopkeeps and store attendants will always approach me and speak Spanish. Of course, we’re in Spain. No, I don’t look Spanish at all, but it has never been in their job description to attempt to speak the language of every patron, so Spanish it is. Until now. Two days ago I went into a little souvenier shop with some friends who were looking for gifts for their families before we all head back, and a lady approached me saying ‘Puedo ayudarte — can I help you?’. Maybe this shouldn’t bother me, but now every time I go past the bus station I feel violated by the English speakers emerging from the doors – it feels like an invasion of this peaceful little city by a bunch of people who don’t know this place, and don’t care to speak the language.
So, before I post San Fermin and only San Fermin photos, I’d like to pay tribute to the Pamplona I know and love before it disappears. Please have a look, it’s a wonderful city.
- Alexandra
On Saturday, May 9 2009, rowers partake in the Universidad de Navarra's sixteenth Dia Del Deporte, an event with demonstrations of all sports, and venues for community participation.
Monday June 22, 2009, 12-year-old Luis Goñi opens the pen of his 2-week-old pony on his family's ranch, the only horse and cattle ranch within Pamplona city limits.
