Running The Bulls

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s lead down and back up, crossing on bars 7-8 into 1st place opposite sides facing out
9-16 1s+2s dance double Fig of 8 giving hands (1s cast, 2s cross up), while 3s ½ turn RH to face up and lead up to top (following 1s), cast and cross to 3rd place own side facing out
17-20 2s+3s dance ½ double Fig of 8 giving hands (3s cast up, 2s cross down), while 1s set and dance down middle (following 3s)
21-24 1M dances LH across with 2M+3M on Ladies' side while 1L dances RH across with 2L+3L on Men's side
25-28 Ladies cross in front of partner (1s, then 2s then 3s) to dance into other hands across and dance up own sides (1s face out, 2s dance in slightly)
29-32 1s+2s turn 1½ times to change places (Men LH, Ladies RH). 213

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Running The Bulls - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

This tradition involves participants running in front of a group of loose bulls, which are subsequently guided to the bullring. The event, originating from the need to transport bulls from outside the city to the bullring, has become a globally recognized and very controversial spectacle.

It takes place along a designated route, and the runners, often dressed in white with red scarves, aim to showcase agility and bravery as they navigate through the narrow streets, pursued by the bulls.

The tradition has historical roots and has been both celebrated for its cultural significance and criticized for its safety risks and considerable ethical concerns related to the treatment of animals, just like fox hunting in the UK, which was made illegal in 2004.