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Donostia-San Sebastian.   From the Eusko Etxea in Caracas we were received images of the San Fermin celebration that took place last Saturday, where there was a traditional encierro, with Bulls from the Tribiño farm.  “It is without a doubt the best encierro ever, nearly 1,000 meters above sea level,” according to club president, Pedro Arriaga.

At 2pm, after the typical songs to San Fermin, asking for protection, Arriaga launched the txupinazo that released the bulls.  The animals, names El Negrito and Tordillo, who shot out of the gate behind the young girls and boys who ran carefully since the asphalt was slippery from the rain. 

[Singing to San Fermin before the encierro (photoCaracasEE)]

 [The best place to watch the bulls, behind the fence (photoCaracasEE)]

The race continued for nearly 30 minutes until the cows were herded to a corral-truck without suffering any harm or mistreatment, unlike the runners some of whom suffered scrapes on their elbows and knees after falling.  After the encierro attendees enjoyed a meal prepared by Maria Teresa Ballatori and Clever Ramirez, followed by a lively after party.

[Many members attended the San Fermin event (photoCaracasEE)]

In Mexico, the Basque community met at the Euskal Etxea in Mexico City that once again became a huge party.  The fronton was decorated, filled to the brim with tables for diners and the atmosphere was unbeatable.  There was no shortage of hymns to the saint, or Photo-calls with a touch of carnival.  There is a complete gallery on the Euskal Etxea’s Facebook page.

[Festive atmosphere at the Mexico City Basque club (photoMexikoEE)]

[A complete success, the photo call at the Mexico City Basque club (photoMexikoEE)]

In Sydney, Australia, many members gathered at Gure Txoko to enjoy a spectacular paella, while in London the event was an outdoor picnic at a park near the London Basque Society.  More photos the London Basque club’s Facebook.