San Pedro fair, safer than ever

The daytime fair was officially inaugurated on Tuesday afternoon. This year around a dozen bars are open as part of the day fair, while on the fairground there are 16 'casetas' for adults plus another for children.

Throughout the week, there have been a number of musical performances at various points around the town and they will climax this weekend with performances from Danza Invisible on Friday and David Bustamante on Saturday, both from 11.30pm onwards.

On Thursday morning, a solemn mass was held in memory of San Pedro, the town's patron saint, before his image was carried through the town in procession.

The highlight of proceedings will happen today, Friday, with the colourful 'cabalgata' parade through the streets of the town, starting at Calle San Javier at around 5pm, taking on a different route to normal as it snakes its way through the town to the fairground.

Increased surveillance

Changes to the 'cabalgata' are not the only novelties at the fair this year with increased video surveillance on the agenda. The operation, which involved the installation of 11 CCTV cameras, is being jointly coordinated by the Local and National Police and aims to cut down on petty crime and violence.

In order to prevent the types of attacks on women seen at the Sanfermines festival in Pamplona earlier this year, the local authorities have launched a campaign to stamp out sexual assault with slogans, such as 'No means no', and informing people that insistent and threatening behaviour can constitute assault.

The fair continues until Sunday with various competitions and performances, as well as numerous activities for children, taking place throughout the town.