Ties flag up bull-run fiesta
Revellers hold up traditional red ties to herald the start of this year's San Fermin fiestas in Pamplona, Spain, yesterday.
The festival, which will go on for nine days, is famous for the Spanish sport of bull-running and sees parties which go on through the night.
But in spite of the high-spirited atmosphere, the authorities have banned the use of vuvuzelas, the noisy plastic horns which have become popular with football fans at the World Cup in South Africa. The horns were banned from being sold because of the level of disturbance they create for neighbours.
The first bull run is expected today when six animals will be released to chase crowds of people through San Fermin's narrow streets.