<p><br /> Thousands of cheering revellers sprayed wine at each other as the El Chupinazo firecracker was launched in Pamplona to kick off the 'San Fermin' nine-day annual bull-running festival.<br /> </p><p><br /> Crowds of Spaniards and foreign visitors packed the town square dressed in the festival's traditional white t-shirts and trousers while holding up red handkerchiefs for a noisy and colourful party.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Chupinazo marks the beginning of 204 hours of uninterrupted party until the 14th of July at midnight.<br /> </p><p><br /> Seconds after the firecracker was launched the delighted crowd tied their red handkerchiefs around their necks.<br /> </p><p><br /> Thousands of people drenched each other with wine, flour and champagne while throwing around inflatable balls, singing and dancing.<br /> </p><p><br /> During the runs, which start each morning at 8 am, thousands of people run chased by fighting bulls along a route through the town's narrow streets from a corral to the city bullring.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Los San Fermines" are considered Spain's most famous fiesta and were popularized internationally by Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel "The Sun Also Rises."<br /> </p>
