The Peña Clubs make a positive evaluation of the fiestas

15/07/2010. They stress the “great atmosphere” and “the participation of the ordinary citizens in the traditional street events”

The Pamplona Peña Clubs have issued a press release making an evaluation of the recently-ended Sanfermin fiestas. The association takes a "positive evaluation because of the great atmosphere in which the fiestas were held" and "because of the great participation of the ordinary citizens in the traditional events in the street".

With regard to their protest which took place on the 11th of July, they feel that the reasons they had for making the protest are still valid and they point out that "the progressive privatization of these fiestas that have always been participative and popular; the attacks suffered by the Peña clubs and the absence of channels of participation by the ordinary people" are all valid reasons.

On the other hand, they do admit that the coincidence of the World Cup Final and their own special picnic in the street caused them "no few headaches", but they were pleased to the response to their call for calmness and responsibility " and for the good behavior of the citizens. Equally, they have made a positive evaluation of "the example of unity shown between the different Peña clubs and the solidarity of their members and of their civic and responsible behavior. All of these things helped to overcome the "initial difficulties".

Finally, the Peña clubs stress the "need for a change of attitude" and, for this to take place, they feel that "a deep reflection should be made about the fiesta model that the city wants and needs", where all the agents implicated can participate from City Hall all the way down to the sound base of the ordinary citizens and their associations" that are in existence in Pamplona.