That’s
at least what first comes to my mind when I think of Spain, but I’ve learned
that although its traditional, they certainly don’t represent all of Spain.
Let’s start with bull fighting:
Bullfighting
has a very glorified public image — it is presented as a contest between the
brave matador, who boldly risks life and limb to tackle a mad and ferocious
beast. The matador is always dressed in a traditional costume of brilliant colors the bullfight is seen by many as the mysterious ritual between man and
beast, which is an integral part of Spanish culture and custom. For this
reason, many tourists who visit Spain feel that seeing a bullfight is a
necessary part of their holiday.
Bull
fighting is only present in certain areas of Spain (Las Ventas) and is not a
part of northern culture. In light of the modern-day animal rights movement,
it’s become a rather controversial topic. Fans say that the fight respects the
bull, that he dies a noble death. Those opposed to bull fighting point to the
obvious torture and killing of the animal. Bullfighting is officially
considered a fine art (excellent matadors are awarded artistic honors), but if
its future is put to a vote in the European Union, bullfighting will most
likely be ill-legalized Its only happens in Madrid, Barcelona is completely
banned bull fighting concept.
I saw
a bull fight from Madrid Plaza de Toros Las Ventas , and mostly enjoyed
it.For a traditional corrida de toros, three matadors each face two
bulls. Each matador (also called torero in Spanish) has six
assistants: two picadores (lancers on horseback), three banderilleros (also
toreros, but carry two small spears and no cape), and a sword. Together,
they are called a cuadrilla. Like someone’s entourage.
A classic Spanish bullfight has several scenes before the
final act. A corrida starts with thepaseillo, when everybody involved in the
bullfight enters the ring and presents themselves to the president and public
to the sound of a traditional paso doble. The bull is then let loose in the
ring.
The bull first faces off against the matador, who uses his
cape to incite the bull into running toward him, Next, two picadors enter the
ring on horseback with a vera (long spear). The picadors will attempt to stab
the bull in the upper back with spears, and was horrified when one bull was
able to topple over the horse and ram him in the belly, the matador will
continue to watch the bull very closely to determine his approach and
strengths for when he faces the bull again. These first two blows are intended
to weaken the bull and prevent it from raising its head. In
the second stage, three banderillos attempt to stab the bull in the
shoulders with two sharp, barbed sticks. the torero will try to
stab six metal-tipped spikes into the bull’s shoulder in as clean and elegant a
manner as possible. Exhausted and frustrated, This further angers and
weakens the bull before the matador faces it.
 |
| Picador Stabbing the bull |
The final stage begins when the matador re-enters the ring
with a small red cape and sword. Bulls are not drawn to the cape because
of its color, instead it is because of its movements as they are color blind.
It is thought the reason the cape is red is to mask the bull’s blood, but today
it is matter of tradition.
The matador uses his cape in a series of passes with the bull
for two reasons: to wear it down and to produce a display of faena (graceful
movements). Many historians have seen similar movements between a bull
fighter and a flamenco dancer as it appears he is gracefully dancing with
the bull, sometimes brushing against its side as it passes.
The faena must be done with extreme care because even though
the bull is injured and fatigued, it is still very dangerous. If
miscalculated, the bull can charge at the matador and injure him. After wearing
the bull down enough, the matador will strike the bull between the shoulder
blades in order to strike the bull’s heart.
As it charges, he thrusts his sword between its shoulder
blades and, if it is well executed, the bull crumples to the ground.
Bullfighting
is an extremely controversial topic in Spain, both among Spaniards and
foreigners. It is commonly viewed as an argument between older generations and
younger generations, who view it as an outdated tradition that is a form of
torture for animals. Older generations argue it is no worse than killing
an animal for meat.
While some view the drawn out stages as taunting or playing
with the bull, the bullfighter can be seen as actually formulating a strategy
for when he later faces off against the bull.
Bullfighting in Spain adds more than $3 billion a year to the
Spanish economy and directly employs more than 10,000 people. It’s not just
about the matadors, their agents and bull breeders, it’s all of the activities
surrounding it: the restaurants before and after the corrida, the street
vendors that sell souvenirs, the transportation to the bullfighting ring, etc.
However, with all the elegance and glamour of the bull
fighters, this is a dangerous and violent sport.
