Pamplona Bull Running Festival 2011: Thousands Gather For 'Chupinazo' Launch
Tens of thousands of people packed Pamplona's main square Wednesday for the launch of the "chupinazo" rocket — the start of Spain's most famous bull-running festival. (Scroll down for photos)
Mayor Enrique Maya heralded the first of nine days of uninterrupted festivities in the northern town as he lit the fuse from a balcony overlooking a frenzied crowd.
"Men and women of Pamplona, Long Live San Fermin!" Maya screamed, as revelers sprayed a fountain of wine, sangria, water and cava into the air. Many used toy water pistols, or leather wineskins to squirt alcohol into the mouths of those who asked. Onlookers on balconies followed suit.
"It's way more than we expected, especially just the energy. And this is only, what, the opening?" said 37-year-old Brooklyn native Malika Oyo, who was partaking with her brother Yaka.
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Mayor Enrique Maya heralded the first of nine days of uninterrupted festivities in the northern town as he lit the fuse from a balcony overlooking a frenzied crowd.
"Men and women of Pamplona, Long Live San Fermin!" Maya screamed, as revelers sprayed a fountain of wine, sangria, water and cava into the air. Many used toy water pistols, or leather wineskins to squirt alcohol into the mouths of those who asked. Onlookers on balconies followed suit.
"It's way more than we expected, especially just the energy. And this is only, what, the opening?" said 37-year-old Brooklyn native Malika Oyo, who was partaking with her brother Yaka.
Read More
