At 12:00 noon on the 6^th of July, the mayor of Pamplona ignites a rocket (cohete) which signals the beginning of the festivities of San Fermin. Hundreds of thousands of people attend this event. If you’re lucky, you may find your way into the sea of people in the Plaza Consistorial (in front of the City Hall) where the crowd cheers and waves red handkerchiefs (pañuelos). This opening ceremony is considered to be one of the most important events of the festival. After the firing of the rocket at noon, the crowd goes wild. 

Prepare to be sprayed with sangria, accosted with balloons and waterguns and jostled by the enthusiastic revelers.  For many Pamplonicas, this is the best day of the year.  For many visitors, it's the biggest party of their lives.