Festival of San Fermin Begins in Spain's Pamplona, Injuries and Deaths Expected

The parades and chupinazo firecrackers on July 6 signals the beginning of the Festival of San Fermin. A 8am local time on July 7, the running of the bulls begins. Tourists pour into the ancient streets from around the globe to test their mettle against the rampant bulls, and, predictably, there are injuries and deaths.

Photo: Festival of San Fermin Begins in Spain's Pamplona, Injuries and Deaths Expected

Ahead of San Fermin 2010, the mayor of Pamplona welcomed the traditional chupinazos, but was adamant in banning vuvuzelas, which he decried as a nuisance to locals, NowPublic reports.

This year, the txupinazo was set off by Mari Genuza, President of the Navarre Group of Giants and Bigheads, which turns 150 this year. After shouting "Viva San Fermin" and "Gora San Fermin", Mari lit the rocket and the festivities officially began. People sang and whooped while drenching each other with sangria and cheap wine and champagne.

The Council of Pamplona has organised an official programme which willinclude 533 live musical acts, bullfighting, cultural and institutionalevents with a budget of 2.8 million euros, EITB says.