NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
Calgary Stampede
An annual 10-day event held in July in Calgary, Canada, often called "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth." It is dedicated to celebrating Western heritage, ranching culture, and the spirit of the Canadian prairies. Beyond the world-famous rodeo competitions, the event features live music, agricultural exhibits, and community breakfasts that bring thousands of visitors together. It is an opportunity to experience cowboy traditions, enjoy local hospitality, and see how a city can come together to honour its history while creating a massive, energetic festival that showcases a unique part of North American identity.
Speaking Discussion
- Why is cowboy culture so heavily romanticised in movies and festivals around the world?
- Do you think rodeos and sports involving animals (like bull riding) are ethical in the modern world?
- Have you ever tried riding a horse, or even a mechanical bull? Was it harder than it looks?
- How do massive city-wide festivals affect the local people who have to live and work there normally?
- If you had to wear a cowboy hat and boots for a full week, how would you feel? Stylish or ridiculous?
- Does your own country have a historical rural hero figure that is celebrated in the same way?
Activity 1: The Festival Rebranding
The Task: You are the Marketing Director for the Calgary Stampede. Animal rights groups are protesting the rodeo.
How do you change the festival to make it more animal-friendly without losing the cowboy spirit? Propose 3 new ideas.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire West
Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.
- "The most exciting part of a massive festival is..."
- "If I lived in the 1800s in the Wild West, my job would be..."
- "Protecting old traditions is more important than modern safety because..."