The coronavirus forces the suspension of holidays …

The parts of San Fermín in Pamplona, known the world over for its bull races and which attracts thousands of tourists, has been suspended for the second year in a row by the Coronavirus pandemicannounced the mayor of the Spanish city.

“To our great regret, I have to officially suspend the festivities of San Fermín of this year 2021 “, which were to be celebrated in July, said the mayor Enrique Maya at a press conference. He explained that it is” a difficult decision, which affects the feelings “and another hard blow for the economy of Pamplona.

With a cumulative incidence of 400 cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days Navarre has one of the highest rates of Spain, well above the national average of 235 cases.

In 2020, the pandemic had already deprived Pamplona of this festival, which usually takes place on July 6 to 14 north of Spain and includes the famous running of the bulls, bull races through the streets of the city center.

Successful tourism

The cancellation is a further blow to the local economy and in particular to the hospitality industry, which will add to the impact of the spring 2020 lockdown, one of the strictest in the world, and current restrictions on operations bars and restaurants. .

Other Spanish cities announced weeks ago that they would not enjoy their traditional mass festivities this spring under normal circumstances either – a great livelihood for the heavily affected tourism sector.

Seville, for example, has canceled its Holy Week processions and April Fair, which should have been held recently, and in Valencia authorities want to celebrate Fallas in the second half of the year (they usually take place in March).

Spain, with around 78,000 deaths and 3.5 million infections, has experienced a slight increase in infections in recent weeks, while progressing in vaccination, with 8% of its 47 million inhabitants with the full guideline received.