Rocket launches running of the bulls festival

Tens of thousands of people crowded into Pamplona’s main square today to celebrate the launching of a rocket that each year marks the beginning of Spain’s most famous bull-running festival.

“Men and women of Pamplona, all hail to San Fermin,” town councillor Uxe Barkos said from a balcony overlooking the crowd before lighting the fuse, signalling the beginning of nine days of uninterrupted festivities in the northern town.