Riau Riau

On the 6th of July, at 4.30 in the afternoon, Sanfermin tradition dictates that everyone should gather for the riau-riau. Nowadays, the motivation is rather differentto the original reason.

Up until 1991 the aim of the gathered crowdwas to slowup the procession of the City Council when it set off for The Church of San Lorenzo on the eve of the saint's day. However, City Hall found the occasion more and more untenable and the event was eliminated from the official programme. En essence, it was a rather simple event. Themunicipal band, "La Pamplonesa" played a set piece of music "el Valls de Astráin" and the people danced, sang, drank and blocked the route for as long as possible.

The route was not very long as it covers the stretch between City Hall and The Church of San Lorenzo, through the San Saturnino and Calle Mayor streets. In this tight area of about 500 meters long and about six meters wide, thousands gathered along the route, along with The Giants, the street musicians, etc. The ambience was as crushed as it was exciting, like most things are during these Sanfermin fiestas. The same waltz was played over and over in an almost obsessive way and the rhythm was slow and measured.