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Running of the Bulls<\/h1>\n
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By\u00a0Hayley Hornak<\/p>\n
New Britain, CT, United States<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
What do a third-century saint, giant puppets and stampeding bulls have in common? They are all part of the\u00a0Festival of San Ferm\u00edn in Pamplona, Spain<\/strong>. It was originally only a two-day event but now runs for nine days every year starting on July 6.<\/p>\n It’s All About the Race<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The tradition of the running of the bulls began during the early 14th century. Known as el encierro<\/em> in Spanish, it involves six bulls and hundreds of people. A rocket goes off at 8 AM to signal the release of the animals, who then charge forward through four narrow streets of Pamplona\u2019s old quarter. Anyone who is at least 18 years old and healthy can try to run alongside the bulls. Tall wooden fences guide the herd and provide a bailout for the runners.<\/p>\n The distance of the course is about 875 meters, and the race typically lasts two to four minutes. Most runners are surprised by how fast the bulls are. Despite weighing 1200 pounds or more, at average speeds of 15 miles per hour, they can easily overtake their human competitors.<\/p>\n Growth in Popularity<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n It was through the novel by American writer Ernest Hemingway that San Ferm\u00edn\u2019s fiesta developed its popularity. The publication of The Sun Also Rises<\/em> in 1926 drew international attention to this unique event that now draws one million tourists. They come from all over the world but are identifiable by the unofficial uniform of the San Ferm\u00edn reveler \u2014 white shirt and pants with red scarf and sash. This color combination honors both the martyrdom (red) of the festival\u2019s patron saint (white) as well as the historic butchers who first escorted bulls through town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other Availa-bull Events<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Where do the giant puppets come in? After the bulls have completed their part in the festivities, a parade starts. Performers carry eight 13-foot-tall wooden puppets called gigantes<\/em>. Made of wood and papier-mach\u00e9, the puppets were created in 1860 to represent royalty from different regions of the globe. The procession is accompanied by music, dancing, and other costumed figures.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stampeding bulls and parading puppets aren\u2019t the only ways that festival-goers celebrate Saint Ferm\u00edn. Making a large noise figures into the middle of the week during el struendo<\/em>. People gather together one minute before midnight with musical instruments, whistles, and drums to make as loud a collective noise as possible. Also, spectacular fireworks illuminate the sky every night of the week. During each day, competitions take place in traditional sports like stone lifting and wood cutting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This week of raucous fun ends with a solemn event called the Pobre de mi<\/em>. Removing their red scarves and raising candles above their heads, the crowd sings,<\/p>\n Poor me, poor me, for the festival of San Ferm\u00edn has ended.<\/em><\/p>\n Then everyone goes home to spend 358 days resting up for next year.<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Pamplona2.jpg” alt=”inflating the balloon” title_text=”Pamplona2″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Pamplona1.jpg” alt=”hot air balloon in the sky” title_text=”Pamplona1″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Learning Activity:<\/p>\n Sample Questions:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Extension Question” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Each running of the bulls ends with the animals herded into a bullfighting arena. Supporters of bullfighting see it as an historic art form, while critics view it as cruelty. Which side of the issue do you agree with? Why?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/audience-bird-s-eye-view-celebration-1299086.jpg\")
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