Hemingway In Pamplona

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Author: Albert Gonzalez

Pamplona, ??or "Iruña" in Basque, is the capital of the Autonomous Community of Navarre. This region has borders with France to the north, the Basque Country to the west, La Rioja to the southwest and Aragon in the South and East. For a weekend, you can go visit San Sebastian and enjoy its beaches, stroll through the Pyrenees or discover the vineyards of Rioja.

Driving around the city of Pamplona is simple and fast. In less than an hour, you can go from one end to another of the city by walking or taking the bus. Parks and pedestrian areas represent 20% of the urban landscape. Pamplona is a city of Roman origin. You can therefore see many monuments, museums and other cultural sites.

Getting a Feel of Pamplona's San Fermin festival

Image via WikipediaAuthor: Ash Ford

San Fermin is Spain's original and most popular fiesta with the locals and tourists. It is celebrated for as long as a week with plenty of noise and merry-making. There are plenty of activities that comprise the San Fermin festival with the famous local bull runs and all night merrymaking.

A local tradition

This famous festival, also called ‘Sanfermines' by the locals, sees the town totally vibrant in its merrymaking in Pamplona from July 6 to July 14 every year. It is celebrated in honor of Pamplona's saint, San Fermin. This festival is not only famous in Spain; it is world renowned as foreign tourists drop into the town by the thousands each year. The most exciting activity in this festival which has brought acclaimed fame to this place is the ‘Encierro,' otherwise known as the ‘Running of the Bulls.' This tradition is a dangerous activity for thousands of locals who would run with the bulls released on the streets. Each bull weighs about 6.5 tons and runs about 800 meters down the street in quite a frenzied manner.

San Fermin was first celebrated in September but now is celebrated in July from 1591 due to weather conditions.