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How Long Does the Running of the Bulls Last?

The Running of the Bulls, known as encierro in Spanish, is a tradition during which people run in front of a group of young bulls running through the streets. At the end of the run, the bulls are corralled in preparation for bull fighting. The best-known encierro takes place in Pamplona, Spain, and typically lasts a little less than four minutes.

More on the Running of the Bulls:

  • From 1910 to 2012, there were 15 deaths during the Pamplona encierro.

  • In addition to the the encierro in Pamplona, there are several other bull runs in Spain and Portugal, and even one in Mesquite, Nevada, in the United States.

  • Some animal rights groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), oppose the Running of the Bulls on the grounds that the run and bullfight constitute animal cruelty.

Discussion Comments

By anon311379 — On Dec 31, 2012

The "Running of the Bulls" Festival is actually called "La Fiesta de San Fermin" San Fermin is the patron saint of Pamplona. The festival starts on July 7 and lasts a week. The actual running of the bulls is a small part of the festival. The running of the bulls starts every morning at 8 AM during the festival. The run lasts about two or three minutes. The San Fermin Festival is a music festival the has "Peñas" (local groups of festival goers that party all day and night). The people of Pamplona are known for their great hospitality and dancing the night away.

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