Spanish Region Hosts Hemingway Look-alike Contest
PAMPLONA, Navarre, SPAIN, June, 2009 – Ernest Hemingway would be chuckling and be very pleased. The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Nobel Prize author loved Spain with a passion. Now, the region where one of the world’s most celebrated writers spent many enjoyable times is returning the favor.
Marking the 50th anniversary of Hemingway’s last visit, Navarre and its capital of Pamplona, site of the Fiesta of San Fermin with its legendary Running of the Bulls, is hosting the First International Ernest Hemingway Look-alike and Impersonators Contest in July. Participants get a free trip to Pamplona, and the winner goes home with $2,000 (1,500 Euros) plus a return trip to Navarre.
Hemingway first came to Pamplona on July 6, 1923 when the Fiesta of San Fermin was in full swing. The infectious atmosphere and the life-and-death contest between man and bull made a visceral impression. Three years later he chose the fiesta as the backdrop for his first successful novel, “The Sun Also Rises.” Hemingway was to return to Pamplona eight more times: 1924 to 1927, 1929, 1931, 1953 and 1959. Visitors can still see some of his favorite haunts: Bar Txoko, Hotel La Perla and Café Iruña, and Hotel Yoldi, where the bullfighters stayed.
Today travelers to Pamplona can watch the Encierro, the running of the bulls every day during the San Fermin Festival. From July 7 to 14, the city becomes a non-stop party with many events – parades, processions, concerts, fireworks, a folk festival, sports competitions and dances – free of charge. Every morning at 8 AM, thousands make the heart-palpitating 900-yard run through narrow cobblestone streets. Every day, processions of Gigantes and Cabezudos, papier-mâché figures with huge heads parade through the streets. Afterwards, runners and visitors alike opt for hot chocolate with churros, crispy pastry-like snacks, while others might choose a copa of the one of the region’s delicious wines. At 5 PM matadors get into the ring with the bulls from the morning run. Fireworks and all night partying follow.
Participation in the Hemingway Look-alike Contest is open to anyone who bears a physical resemblance to the writer. Applicants must submit a registration form with two recent color photos or a 25-second video before noon (Spanish time) on June 15 via email to:
hemingwaycontest@artsaia.com. If selected, they will receive a trip to Pamplona courtesy of the Government of Navarre. Airfare to the region, hotel accommodations and a daily expense allowance will be offered to those selected. Participants must agree to arrive in Pamplona by mid-afternoon of Thursday, July 2 and to stay until July 10. On the morning of July 3, the candidates will give a joint press conference as Hemingway. That afternoon contestants will perform for one-minute in character and in costume, focusing on one time in the life of Hemingway. On Saturday, July 4, participants will take a “Hemingway Tour” of Pamplona. Following that, the three finalists will be announced at a festive luncheon. On Sunday, the three will compete in character with the grand prize winner receiving $2,000 in cash, a trophy and diploma, plus a trip for two along the Hemingway Route through Navarre. The second and third prize winners also receive a trophy and a trip for two along the Hemingway Trail. There are no losers in Pamplona as more festivities start the next day!
For more information about registering for the contest, the Fiesta of San Fermin and the region of Navarre, go to www.turismo.navarra.es/eng/propuestas/san-fermines/desarrollo/programa.htm. And for further information about Spain, contact the Tourist Office of Spain in New York (212-265-8822); Miami (305-358-1992); Chicago (312-642-1992) or Los Angeles (323-658-7195) or go to www.spain.info
June 9, 2009
Posted in: Spain