Running of the Bulls Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Running of the Bulls (encierro)
The bull run in Pamplona
Dates	6–14 July
Location(s)	Pamplona and other

The Running of the Bulls (in Spanish el encierro) is an exciting activity. It involves running in front of bulls through special streets. This event happens in many places across Spain. The most famous bull run is in Pamplona. In most bull runs, the bulls are not harmed. They live for a whole season. This activity is thrilling and requires courage.

The Running of the Bulls
Images for kids
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The Running of the Bulls

What is the Running of the Bulls?

The Running of the Bulls, or encierro, is a traditional event. People run alongside a group of bulls. The path is usually a section of a town's streets. These streets are blocked off for safety. The goal is to run from the starting point to the bullring. It is a very old tradition.

Where does it happen?

While the most famous bull run is in Pamplona, Spain, it happens in many other towns too. Each town might have its own special way of doing it. Some places have different kinds of animals or different rules. The Pamplona event is part of the San Fermín festival.

Is it safe?

Running with bulls can be risky. However, organizers put many safety measures in place. For example, in some towns like Xabia, the running area has cages. People can quickly slip into these cages for safety. The bulls cannot enter the cages. Runners must be careful and follow all rules.

The Pamplona Festival

The bull run in Pamplona is part of the San Fermín festival. This festival takes place every year from July 6th to July 14th. Thousands of people visit Pamplona for this event. The run happens every morning at 8:00 AM. It lasts only a few minutes. Runners wear traditional white clothes with red scarves.

Other types of bull runs

There are different versions of bull runs. Some towns have "fire bulls." These are bulls with fireworks attached to their horns. Children often run from these "fire bulls" in a playful way. Other events, like bous al carrer in Valencia, involve bulls in the streets. There are also events called abrivado and bandido in France. These show how skilled cowboys guide bulls.

Images for kids

Monument in Pamplona
Runners surround the bulls on Estafeta Street
Saint Fermin, honored in Pamplona
Pamplona, 7 July 2005. People climb to the fences as the bulls run by and cross the Town Hall Plaza.
Police barrier at the beginning of the running stops people until the first rocket is fired.
Runners at the Pamplona bull run in typical attire
Pamplona, 2007. Bulls following some runners enter the bull ring from the callejón, where the event ends. The bulls can be seen in the foreground and background of the picture.
Medical services are ready to help runners.
Town Hall Square in the "Poor Me" celebration.
Hemingway drank in the Café Iruña, established 1888 in Pamplona/Iruña.
Running of the bulls in Cellar, Segovia province, Spain.
Fire bull and children running from it (Tudela, Navarre).
Bous al carrer at Albocàsser.
An abrivado at Calvisson. The guardians show their skill in turning a group of at least four bulls.
A bandido at Calvisson. Contact has been made with the bull.
"Running of the Bulls" in the French Quarter of New Orleans.