Spanish Bullfighting @ Las Ventas - Madrid

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.