OVIEDO, Spain

A platform supporting Palestinian rights will launch the iconic opening event of Spain’s upcoming San Fermin festival, following a public vote in the northern city of Pamplona.

Yala Nafarroa, which brings together more than 220 Navarre-based organizations, was selected to fire the chupinazo – a traditional rocket that marks the beginning of the July festival, best known for its running of the bulls.

Pamplona Mayor Joseba Asiron announced the decision Tuesday, joined by Yala Nafarroa representatives Lidon Soriano and Eduardo Ibero.

“As the Palestinian people face one of the most difficult moments in their history, Pamplona stands in solidarity,” Asiron said. “This symbolic act reflects our city’s commitment to human rights.”

According to its website, Yala Nafarroa is a platform “against genocide and occupation that works in active solidarity with Palestine.”

Soriano thanked voters for making Pamplona “a beacon of hope to stop this genocide,” adding that the vote demonstrated that “we will not tolerate one more day of genocide.”

The San Fermin festival, which begins on July 6 opens with the chupinazo from Pamplona’s City Hall balcony, as festivalgoers pack into the square below.

Registered residents of Pamplona aged 16 and older were eligible to vote for the group or individual to launch the rocket. Yala Nafarroa received 52.85% of the vote, surpassing other candidates, including a bagpipe association, a historian and a local singer.