Spain shrugs off bad economy, launches bull runs

PAMPLONA, Spain (AP) — Spain shrugged off its economic woes today with tens of thousands of Spaniards and foreigners jamming a historic city plaza and spraying each other with wine as a firecracker rocket blasted off to launch the famed San Fermin bull-running festival. The nine-day street drinking party got under way at midday with the traditional shout from the city hall balcony of “Viva San Fermin!,” followed seconds later by the firing of the firecracker known as the chupinazo. On Wednesday, daredevils will race just ahead of huge bulls running along Pamplona’s cobblestoned streets, and gorings are virtually assured.