July 2019
There's no better way to experience the century-old festival of San Fermin than with I LIVE SPAIN.
The Festival of San Fermin | Running with the Bulls in Pamplona
It's 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 12, one of the three final days of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain. We begin walking from AC Hotel Cuidad de Pamplona to Calle Estafeta, the heart of the San Fermin festival and the route of the running of the bulls. The distance, almost 2 km. It's not a bad walk and the air is somewhat breezy. Pamplona is northern Spain, so we expected a drop in temperature. During one of the hottest summers on record in Spain, we did receive a little respite from the heat during the mornings.
The solitary walk soon changed. Walkers approached from side streets, all wearing their red and white, and soon we were a crowd. Several rambunctious revelers approached from the opposite direction, and it didn't take long to realize they were left-over party people from the previous day's events. Most assuredly, that would not be us.
We arrive at the Plaza del Castilla, the central square. Everyone navigates here at some point during the day. Early, it's empty, but as the food vendors and craft sellers begin to set up their tents, the people arrive. Here you will find Cafe Iruna, opened in 1888 on the first day that Pamplona received the electric light for the first time. Gas lights were turned off, and the electric switch was thrown. And when the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Ernest Hemingway made it their favorite drinking hole, Cafe Iruna became the place for post-bull sangria. History begs us to fall in line.
The solitary walk soon changed. Walkers approached from side streets, all wearing their red and white, and soon we were a crowd. Several rambunctious revelers approached from the opposite direction, and it didn't take long to realize they were left-over party people from the previous day's events. Most assuredly, that would not be us.
We arrive at the Plaza del Castilla, the central square. Everyone navigates here at some point during the day. Early, it's empty, but as the food vendors and craft sellers begin to set up their tents, the people arrive. Here you will find Cafe Iruna, opened in 1888 on the first day that Pamplona received the electric light for the first time. Gas lights were turned off, and the electric switch was thrown. And when the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Ernest Hemingway made it their favorite drinking hole, Cafe Iruna became the place for post-bull sangria. History begs us to fall in line.
What is the San Fermin Festival?
Like clockwork, the San Fermin Festival takes places July 6 (noon) - July 14 (midnight) in Pamplona, Spain. It's known throughout the world for the running of the bulls. This festival celebrates the city's first bishop and patron saint, Saint Fermin.
Moved to Pamplona in 1592, San Fermin a week-long fiesta which begins with song and dance during the first day's opening ceremony, Txupinazo, in front of City Hall.
Moved to Pamplona in 1592, San Fermin a week-long fiesta which begins with song and dance during the first day's opening ceremony, Txupinazo, in front of City Hall.
I Live Spain
For the team at I Live Spain, their mission is simple: to provide the best local and unique luxury experiences in Spain. They want all who visit to experience, feel and live Spain as the locals do. The company began in 2014 in Dallas, Texas, when Maitane moved to Dallas. As a native of Spain, she has spent most of her professional life working for companies in the luxury travel market. Her passions of Spain and tourism grew into her company to aid people in discovering Spain from a Spaniard's point of view.
I Live Spain caters to the baby boomer traveler, luxury travelers and to those who are looking for an authentic cultural experience. "Our goal," states Maitane, "is to exceed the expectations of our clients, making their trip memorable and being sure when they return to their homes, they remember the experience as one of the best vacations of their lives."
I Live Spain caters to the baby boomer traveler, luxury travelers and to those who are looking for an authentic cultural experience. "Our goal," states Maitane, "is to exceed the expectations of our clients, making their trip memorable and being sure when they return to their homes, they remember the experience as one of the best vacations of their lives."
Running of the Bulls: 8 a.m.
