How to behave

Pamplona in San Fermin has a name for being anarchic - a place where - during the days of the Fiesta - anything goes. And that first impression, when you see the whole town in celebration, seems to conform this fact. However, it's not quite true. Any misdemeanours are punished, just as in any other place, with a night in the caboose, or a fine or whatever. Proof taht things are never too unruly is that you will see many young children with their families strolling among all the hustle and bustle. They can be seen, for example, at the exit of the "Peñas" to see how people "enjoy" themselves. Or at the "Dianas" to see the survivors from the all-night sessions. What the children see is not really the best example of what they should follow but at the same time it is accepted that the locals even on a high are quite well behaved. And it is accepted that there will be no aggressive behaviour of any kind in the line of fights or assaults or anything like that. However, that line of what is permissive conduct and what is not, is not always clear.

Stepping over the line might sometimes depend on where and when you misbehave. It's a question of using your instinct and being generally prudent at all times. Adapting and accepting the local norms and learning from what you see around you.