Pamplona

We continued our camping stint at Camping Ezcabar (so did 2,000 Australians) for the festival of San Fermin (aka 'Running of the Bulls').

Tio Iñigo took us to meet Castañuela (who lives nearby) and provide a little training...

...Tía Marta rewarded Castañuelas efforts with carrots. Iñigo didn't get any.

Iñigo demonstrates the traditional loooong cider pour. Olé!

The opening ceremony - known as the 'chupinazo' - begins at midday in the town square. Traditional white clothes with red sash and scarf are worn by everyone.

We watched it on giant screens from here - to avoid a shower of eggs, flour, mustard and ketchup in the square!

There was some frolicing in the fountain.

Plenty of drinking.

Some traditional folk dancing.

Morris dancing meets The Wicker Man.

Over 1 million people visit the city of Pamplona for San Fermin. Including this guy.

First display of 'Sanfermines' International Firework Contest. 

El toros.

The partying continues 24 hours a day, for NINE DAYS.

Our photos are all very civilised. However, it gets incredibly messy as the sun goes down.

He's had a few too many of those cheesy triangles.

On the encierro (bull run) route.

Some guys getting trollied.

For fun - add a little Mexican.

HUGE clean up operation, every single night.

Spectators trying to find a good spot for the 825m long bull run (around 7am).

We watched the run from Plaza de Toros.

8am... and they're off! There are six bulls running, each weighing between 500-650kgs. Approx 2,000 people on this midweek run.

2 minutes and 12 seconds later they arrive - second fastest run ever! (by 1 sec). 

Chaos ensues. Some members of the audience jump in.

Smaller bulls are brought into the arena. To 'ave a go.

Weee!

If you grab or disrespect the bull, you will get punched in the face by a number of people.

This one's for Owen!

Comparsa de Gigantes y Cabezudos (Parade of the giants and big heads)

These were created by artist Felix Flores in 1890.

This one is a 'Kiliki'. They have sponges attached to a stick with string to hit children (and Carrie in the face). Their names are Ponytail, Potato, Beard, Warts and... Vinegar Face.

'Aizko' Woodcutting Regional Championship.