Capturing the Essence of the San Fermin Festival: A Journey Through Time and Art
Evolution of Posters at San Fermín Festivals: Transition from Text-based Designs to Drawings and Photographs
Step into the vibrant world of the San Fermin Festival posters and takes a stroll through the annals of graphic arts and culture. From humble beginnings to modern masterpieces, the poster collection stands as an undeniable testament to the festival's rich history and societal evolution.
The senior municipal archivist of Pamplona, Beatriz Marcotegui, warmly unveils the first preserved posters of the Pamplona festivities. The oldest one, dating back to 1816, was all text. It wasn't until bull by bull that the drawings began to appear. By 1840, a poster graced our eyes, with the bullfighting theme firmly established. Fast forward to 1882, where we find the first poster in color. The encierro made its debut in 1907, marking the dawn of the golden age.
Renowned artists like "Jesus Berciano, Pedro Lozano,..." took part in the poster contest in the early 20th century, according to Marcotegui. Some of these creations, such as the 1920 Juan Ciga poster, stand as authentic works of art, proudly on display on the staircase of the Town Hall in Pamplona.
In 1936, San Fermin found its conclusion on July 18, while in 1939, a dove of peace presided over the poster, symbolizing the end of the Civil War. 1964 saw the first photo appear, intertwined with various techniques, concepts, and colors. Bursts of red were common in these creative compositions.
This year's poster, entitled "Pamplona Home," features laundry hanging in the wind. To the author, Sandra Nadal, this symbolizes an invitation for anyone to feel at home, regardless of their origin, in the birthplace of this renowned festival. As Pamplona prepares to be a common home once more, its heart will beat with the rhythm of celebration.
Bonus Facts
- 2025 San Fermin Poster: The poster that will announce the 2025 San Fermin festivities is yet to be revealed.
- Patronage of San Fermin: San Fermin is not the sole patron of Pamplona. St. Francis Xavier shares the patronage of Navarre with him.
- The Musical Heartbeat of Pamplona: The charangas bring the melodious spirit of Pamplona's streets to life during the San Fermin festival.
- Pre-Party Anthems: The multicolored 'Escalerica' serves as the final musical prelude to the San Fermin festivities.
- Young Runners of 2025: Learn about the preparation and requirements young runners must meet to participate in the Running of the Bulls for the San Fermin festivities in 2025.
The captivating 'Pamplona Home' poster, unveiled for this year's San Fermin Festival, personifies an inviting lifestyle in the heart of the home-and-garden aesthetic, symbolizing a warm welcome for all. Reflecting on the festival's graphical evolution, the poster collection illustrates an intriguing blend of lifestyle and home-and-garden themes throughout history, merging culture and artistry.
