Bulls run at Pamplona

PAMPLONA, Spain — A rocket fired from a balcony burst into a mosaic of glittering aluminum dust over this famous town in northern Spain Tuesday, signaling the start of the San Fermin festival known for its running of the bulls.

“Men and women of Pamplona, Viva San Fermin!” municipal official Jorge Mori shouted from the city hall balcony. Below, hundreds of revelers dressed in white shirts and trousers donned red kerchiefs and cummerbunds as tradition dictates.

The “chupinazo” is also a hallowed ritual. A “chupin” is a small rocket.

On Monday, several hundred animal rights activists — some in their underwear, others topless — marched through the streets of Pamplona to condemn bullfighting and the running of the bulls.

The 200 supporters organized by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals came from 15 countries. They had planned to run the route totally nude but did not have the necessary town hall permit, the Efe news agency reported.

The first of eight runs by bulls along the narrow cobblestone streets starts Wednesday. The annual event, which was chronicled by Ernest Hemingway in the 1920s, honors Pamplona’s patron saint, San Fermin.

“I have come to drink beer, to get to know the beautiful women of Spain and to run the bulls,” said Kyle Hesley, 22, a tall, redheaded student from California.

The first rocket was followed by 31 others. Shouts of “San Fermin!” “San Fermin!” rocked the town hall square.

The mood was euphoric, as usual. Drenchings by cold water thrown from balconies above the crowds were received in high spirits. Many people were wet anyway from showers of champagne. “I read Hemingway’s stories and I’ve come for the last four years,” said Maria Jose Gabero, 28, from Mexico City.

Hundreds of runners will risk their lives by running ahead of 17 bulls toward the bullring near a bronze bust of Hemingway.