Sculpture of San Fermín Bulls Installed Backwards in Pamplona

The city of Pamplona has made a notable blunder by installing the sculpture of the five bulls that commemorate the famous San Fermín running event in the wrong direction. This installation, which serves as a tourist attraction, was meant to symbolize the start of the encierro but now faces criticism for its incorrect placement.

Key Takeaways

• The sculpture of five bulls was installed incorrectly, facing the wrong direction.

• Originally placed in January 2022, the installation was meant to enhance the area where the bulls rest before the encierro.

• The bulls are designed to reflect the dynamic moment of the encierro's start, but now they appear to be running away from it.

  
  

  

  The other Encierro Sculpture near the Bull Ring.

  
  

Background of the Sculpture

The sculpture, measuring five meters in length and 1.8 meters in height, was installed in January 2022 to beautify the corral area of Santo Domingo, where the bulls rest each night during the San Fermín festival. This area had previously been underutilized, serving mainly as a parking lot, and the installation aimed to attract more visitors.

The artwork features five life-sized bull silhouettes made from 10 mm thick metal, cut with laser precision and finished with a durable black lacquer. The design captures the moment just before the launch of the rocket that signals the start of the encierro, with the bulls transitioning from a static to a dynamic pose.

The Installation Error

In June, the sculpture was removed to prepare the corral for the upcoming festival. However, upon its recent reinstallation, the city council mistakenly placed the bulls facing the wrong way. Instead of facing the direction of the encierro, they are now oriented towards Rochapea, which is contrary to the original intent of the artwork.

This misplacement has sparked discussions among locals and tourists alike, as the sculpture was meant to symbolize the excitement and energy of the encierro, which begins at the corral of Santo Domingo each morning during the festival.

Community Reaction

The community's response to the installation error has been mixed. While some residents find humor in the situation, others express disappointment over the oversight. The sculpture, which has already faced vandalism in the past, now stands as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail in public art installations.

Conclusion

The incorrect installation of the San Fermín bulls sculpture serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by city officials in maintaining public art. As the festival approaches, it remains to be seen whether the city will take action to correct the orientation of the sculpture, ensuring it aligns with the spirit of the San Fermín celebrations. The incident highlights the significance of public art in cultural events and the need for careful planning and execution in such projects.