Full of special moments

Sanfermines finished last weekend. Did you enjoy them, or are you one of those who avoid them? As I have always stated, contrary to popular belief, our fiestas are not just about drinking and partying. In fact, they are full of special and moving moments that make us, the Pamplonicas, very proud of our town. Can you guess which ones?

For starters, the moment when the gaiteros (bagpipers) come out from the city hall after the chupinazo to play. To be honest, this is one of my favourites; however, I cannot place myself in the middle of the crowd since I am very short, and I got injured the only time I tried to participate. Anyway, I normally tend to watch it on YouTube the following day, and I must say that once again, it was breathtaking. To see everybody jumping, dancing, and singing around these gaiteros is such a unique moment. What’s more, TVE, the channel that was broadcasting this scene, was describing the joy that journalists from Pamplona felt when seeing this moment. Indeed, it’s a feeling that we cannot explain.

In addition, another moving moment for most of us is watching the gigantes dancing before lunch. Needless to say, it’s something rather magical that even foreigners love. Having said that, the best day to enjoy these gigantes is the last one, as they do a special farewell and greet children with kisses and sweets.

Moreover, there is yet another moment that I would like to highlight: what we call la salida de pe?as, which essentially is when the pe?as (the orchestras of the gastronomy clubs of Sanfermines) leave the bullring and start playing music around the city. There is nothing like moving along Estafeta with a bunch of different people dancing to the rhythm of the orchestras, spreading good vibes across the street. Besides, the farewell of the pe?as is also quite special and worth seeing. Can you imagine being in the ring, surrounded by people singing the song of your town with you? This is precisely what happens and leaves everyone speechless, even people who are not from Pamplona.

All in all, those who think of Sanfermines as a wild party where everybody is wasted are very much mistaken. Sanfermines is full of special moments that make us so proud of our town, and I am glad that we manage to transmit that emotion to outsiders. Have I convinced you? Give it a try one year; you will be surprised!