The Start of the San Fermín Festival in Pamplona

龐普洛納聖費爾明節開幕


Introduction

The city of Pamplona has started its annual San Fermín festival, an event famous for its traditional celebrations and the running of the bulls.

龐普洛納市已開始一年一度的聖費爾明節,這項活動以其傳統慶祝活動和奔牛賽而聞名。

Main Body

The festivities began on Monday with the 'Chupinazo,' a traditional rocket launch from the city hall balcony that attracted around 12,000 people. During this opening event, participants wore red scarves and shared wine and grape juice. This celebration honors the city's patron saint and dates back to the late 16th century. Furthermore, the festival gained worldwide fame thanks to Ernest Hemingway's novel 'The Sun Also Rises,' which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

慶祝活動於週一由「Chupinazo」開始,這是一場從市政廳陽台發射傳統火箭的活動,吸引了約 12,000 人參加。在這次開幕活動中,參與者繫著紅色圍巾,共同分享葡萄酒和葡萄汁。這場慶典旨在紀念城市的守護聖人,可追溯至 16 世紀末。此外,該節日也因歐內斯特·海明威的小說《太陽照常升起》而享譽全球,而該書今年正好 celebrating 100 週年。

The main attraction is the daily bull run, which takes place from Tuesday until July 14. In this event, bulls weighing about 600 kilograms run along an 848-meter route through the Old Quarter toward the bullring. However, this activity is dangerous; there have been many injuries and 16 recorded deaths since 1924. After the morning runs, the bulls are usually used in evening bullfights. In addition to these events, the city hosts various concerts and parades.

主打活動是每日的奔牛賽,時間從週二一直持續到 7 月 14 日。在此活動中,重量約 600 公斤的公牛將沿著舊城區一條 848 公尺長的路線奔向鬥牛場。然而,這項活動十分危險;自 1924 年以來,已有許多受傷記錄及 16 例死亡。在早晨的奔牛賽後,這些公牛通常會在晚上的鬥牛賽中使用。除了這些活動外,市內還舉辦各種音樂會和巡遊。

Opinions about the festival remain divided. While it attracts tourists from all over the world, including Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States, it also faces strong opposition from animal rights activists. These protesters have shown their disapproval by using red paint and fake horns to criticize the treatment of the animals.

對於該節日的看法仍然分歧。雖然它吸引了來自世界各地(包括亞洲、澳洲、歐洲和美國)的遊客,但也面臨動物權利活動家的強烈反對。這些抗議者透過使用紅色油漆和假牛角來表達不滿,批評對動物的對待方式。

Conclusion

The San Fermín festival is now underway and will continue its schedule of bull runs and cultural activities until July 14.

聖費爾明節目前已在進行中,奔牛賽與文化活動將持續至 7 月 14 日。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Glue' of B2: Sophisticated Connectors

An A2 student says: "The festival is famous. It is dangerous. People like it but some people hate it."

A B2 student says: "Furthermore, the festival is famous; however, it is dangerous. While it attracts tourists, it also faces opposition."

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences and start using "Connectors" (words that glue ideas together).

🛠️ The Tools from the Text

1. Adding Information (Beyond 'And')

  • Furthermore \rightarrow Use this to add a strong, new point to your argument.
    • Example: "The city is beautiful. Furthermore, the food is amazing."
  • In addition to \rightarrow Use this to list extra things before the main point.
    • Example: "In addition to the bulls, the city hosts concerts."

2. Showing Contrast (Beyond 'But')

  • However \rightarrow This is a formal way to pivot to an opposite idea. It usually starts a new sentence followed by a comma.
    • Example: "The run is exciting. However, it is very dangerous."
  • While \rightarrow This allows you to compare two different facts in one single sentence.
    • Example: "While some people love the tradition, others think it is cruel."

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

Stop thinking in small blocks. Try to combine your thoughts. Instead of three short sentences, use one While and one Furthermore. This is the fastest way to sound more academic and fluent.

Vocabulary Learning

annual (adj.)
Happening once every year.
Example:The company holds an annual meeting to discuss its yearly progress.
attracted (v.)
To pull or draw someone's interest or attention.
Example:The new art exhibition attracted thousands of visitors from across the city.
furthermore (adv.)
In addition to what has just been said; used to introduce a fresh point.
Example:The hotel is very expensive; furthermore, the service is quite poor.
divided (adj.)
Not in agreement; split into two or more opposing groups.
Example:Public opinion remains divided on whether the new law will be effective.
opposition (n.)
A feeling of disagreement or resistance to a plan or policy.
Example:The proposal to build a new highway faced strong opposition from local residents.
disapproval (n.)
The feeling that something is wrong or bad.
Example:Her parents expressed their disapproval of her decision to quit university.
underway (adj.)
Already started and happening now.
Example:Preparations for the international conference are now well underway.
Practice B2 words in a crossword