San Fermin Kicks Off With a Cry for Palestine: Political Stance Marks Festival’s Start

Spain’s internationally renowned San Fermin festival ignited Sunday with a unique twist: a passionate cry of “Long Live Free Palestine” during the traditional chupinazo rocket launch.

A Political Chupinazo: Palestine Solidarity at San Fermin

The San Fermin festival, a global spectacle of celebration and tradition, began Sunday with an unusual political undercurrent. Representatives of Yala Nafarroa, a pro-Palestinian platform, launched the ceremonial chupinazo rocket from Pamplona’s city hall balcony. Simultaneously, they shouted “Long Live Free Palestine,” a powerful statement of solidarity that resonated through the packed square. This act of political expression marked a significant departure from the festival’s usual celebratory tone.

The political message delivered during the chupinazo launch set a distinct tone for the festivities. The presence of pro-Palestinian flags and banners draped throughout the crowd emphasized the significance of the political statement.

A Unique Opening: Beyond the Bulls and Celebrations

The traditional San Fermin festivities, renowned for their vibrant atmosphere and the iconic bull runs, were infused with a distinctly political message this year. The carefully chosen representatives of Yala Nafarroa, selected through public vote, delivered a message of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, adding a new layer of meaning to the event.

The inclusion of a politically charged message during the ceremonial launch added a significant layer to the usual celebration. This unique event highlights a growing trend of incorporating political messages into traditional cultural festivals.

Global Attention and Solidarity: A Shared Cause

The San Fermin festival, a major international event, attracted significant media coverage, with 140 outlets from 13 countries and 450 accredited journalists covering the event. The political message of solidarity with Palestine, carried by the chupinazo, was likely to gain even greater attention and resonance through this international coverage.

The global media attention on the festival, combined with the visible solidarity, likely amplified the political message, making it a significant moment in the ongoing discourse. The presence of international media highlighted the growing interest in this year’s politically charged event.

A Complex Mix: Tradition Meets Activism

The San Fermin festival, a blend of tradition and celebration, embraced a political dimension in 2025. The combination of the traditional chupinazo launch with the call for a free Palestine created a complex and multifaceted event. This demonstrates a growing trend of incorporating social and political messages into cultural celebrations.

The event’s unique blend of tradition and political activism highlights the dynamic nature of cultural celebrations in the modern era. This year’s San Fermin festival illustrated how cultural events can be used as platforms for political expression and solidarity.

Key Takeaways

• The San Fermin festival kicked off with a unique political statement, emphasizing solidarity with Palestine.
• Representatives of Yala Nafarroa launched the chupinazo rocket and shouted “Long Live Free Palestine.”
• The event garnered significant international media attention.
• The combination of tradition and political activism created a complex and multifaceted celebration.
• The event showcased a growing trend of incorporating social and political messages into cultural events.