Pamplona's San Fermín festival begins with fireworks and celebrations

The San Fermin Festival officially began in Pamplona on Monday as thousands of people packed the square outside City Hall to mark the start of the famous celebration.

Fireworks signalled the opening, prompting loud cheers from the crowd. The video shows revellers celebrating beneath the City Hall balcony before bands arrive to lead singing and dancing in the square, where many participants already wear the festival's traditional white clothing and red scarves.

The opening ceremony marks the start of nine days of festivities in the northern Spanish city. Locals and visitors welcome the moment by shouting 'Long Live San Fermin' before tying red bandanas around their necks.

Attention will soon turn to Tuesday morning, when the first running of the bulls takes place through Pamplona's narrow streets.