Bullfighting: A Dance With Death

Despite most people’s impression of bullfighting as being unique to only the whitewashed villages of Ronda, in Andalusia, Malaga and Seville (though not villages, are also in Andalusia), are all truly great places to see a bullfight, along with Madrid.

Ronda is the original place where modern bullfighting began, thus the Ronda bullring is held in very high regard among aficionados. However Ronda tucked away in the mountains and its bullring is not that accessible for true, genuine bullfighting fans. There are very few bullfights actually staged in Ronda, perhaps to not only preserve Ronda’s status as the original and genuine home of bullfighting but also to not allow this quint little village to become another tourist trap. » Read more: Bullfighting: A Dance With Death

Tags:

The Bullfight (Issues Around The La Corrida De Toros)

English Version

Part One: The Bullfighter

The bullfight, it is a tragedy, and not a sport, nor a contest between the bull and matador-for the most part. It is, as I said, a tragedy, insofar as, the death of the bull. Yes, there is a dangerous link involving the bullfighter against the bull, but inevitable death for the bull.

The matador, or bullfighter, can measure his own danger by increasing or decreasing his distance and/or his stance towards the bull, that is to say, he can at will fall back from those horns of the bull; he is by and large, in control, not the bull. Of course the bullfighter must be aware of his abilities; such as: reflexes, judgments and so forth; to include, goring or being thrown about like hay by a bull which is most often due to the ignorance (if not by youth and inexperience) then by the lack of agility or quickness on behalf of the matador.

The bulls are not as stupid as many may think; for when you do not study the bull, and the rules of distraction, change and the character of the beast, gaining knowledge of the traits of the bull, learning the techniques of those before you, the bull actually doesn’t look so stupid anymore, it is usually the bullfighter that does (and the unaware observing participant in the Plaza de Toros, or gallery). My last bullfight, the young matador was just that, unaware of the techniques, and not quick enough, and in consequence, got a horn in the arm pit, in Mexico City.

Part Two: The Moral Issue

There are of course moral issues on bullfighting, and killing of the bull. Consequently, this issue is more or less resolved in how you see the bullfight, and by whose values and standards you prefer to go or live by. I do not, or prefer not to, defend the bull or bullfighter, or morality in general-I can sleep very well after a bullfight, I only feel horror when I see what man is capable of doing to man, in war, or in some dark alley, or in the open, or in the way the justice system when it is carried out unjustly, and when a judge looks the other way because of gain or profit, because the judicial system is corrupt, unreasonable, and unpredictable.

People seem to be more affected by the bullfight nowadays and unaffected by the abuse of the criminal system they live under-oh yes, publicly they disapprove of it, but secretly they expect corruption at some point in time to assist them somehow. Thus, the very thing that should horrify and disgust them, they overlook and yell at the blood the bull sheds in the bullring.

Part Three: The Tragedy and Ritual

I have already proclaimed, there is a tragedy in the bullfight, but there also resides a ritual in the bullfight (which I will go around, rather than explain because I want to look at the art and culture aspect of it).

Either you can see and feel this or you cannot. You might say a man of culture is more aware of this, than a person to the contrary. The man of culture may see the art in the bullfight, the person not of culture, if open-minded, may also see this, but most often doesn’t.

When you think of men killing men in war or for pleasure, or vengeance, the bullfight becomes much more civilized. On another note, man has become so proficient in warfare, much more than in bullfighting, which in comparison, is simply a stomp on the big toe. Yet, we justify the war, and criminalize the bullfight. I think somewhere along the line, we got our wires crossed.

Written: 8-4-2009 (Article on Bullfighting)

Versión en Español

Parte Uno: El Torero

La Corrida de Toros-por la mayor parte-es una tragedia y no un deporte, ni una competencia entre el toro y el torero. Es, como lo dije, una tragedia en la medida en que el toro muere. Sí, hay una conexión peligrosa involucrando al torero en contra del toro, pero una muerte inevitable para el toro.

El torero, o matador, puede medir su propio peligro, incrementando o disminuyendo su postura y/o distancia hacia el toro, es decir, él puede por su voluntad recurrir a esos cuernos del toro; él está, en general, en control, no el toro. Por supuesto que el torero debe de estar consciente de sus habilidades: como reflejo, juicio, etc. incluyendo, el ser corneado o ser tirado alrededor como un paquete de heno por el toro, lo que a menudo ocurre debido a la ignorancia (o a la juventud o inexperiencia) o por falta de agilidad o rapidez del torero.

Los toros no son tan estúpidos como muchos pueden pensar; porque cuando no estudias al toro y las reglas de distracción, el cambio y el carácter de la bestia, o no adquieres conocimiento de los rasgos del toro, o no aprendes las técnica de aquellos antes que tú, el toro realmente no parece tan estúpido nunca más, es generalmente el torero quien lo parece (y los ingenuos participantes observando en la Plaza de Toros, o arena). En mi última corrida de toros, el joven torero era justo eso, inexperto de las técnicas y no suficientemente rápido; en consecuencia, fue corneado en el brazo; esto pasó en la Ciudad de México.

Parte Dos: El Tema Moral

Hay por supuesto temas morales en la corrida de toros, y en la matanza del toro. Consecuentemente, el tema es más o menos resuelto en cómo ves tú la corrida de toros, y por qué valores y estándares tú prefieres ir o vivir. Yo prefiero no defender al toro o al torero, o la moralidad en general-puedo dormir muy bien luego de ver una corrida de toros-sólo siento horror cuando veo a un hombre ser capaz de hacerle daño a otro hombre, en la guerra, o en algún callejón oscuro, o en las áreas abiertas, o cuando el sistema de justicia es llevado a cabo injustamente y cuando un juez se hace al disimulado debido a ganancia o beneficio, debido a que el sistema judicial es corrupto, poco razonable e impredecible.

La gente parece estar más conmovida por la corrida de toros hoy en día y despreocupada por el abuso del sistema criminal bajo el que viven-oh sí, públicamente ellos lo desaprueban, pero secretamente ellos esperan corrupción hasta cierto punto para que los asistan, de alguna forma, en algún memento. Así, precisamente la cosa que debería horrorizarlos y disgustarlos, ellos lo ignoran y en cambio gritan por la sangre que el toro derrama en la arena.

Parte Tres: La Tragedia y Ritual

Ya he proclamado que hay una tragedia en la corrida de toros, pero también reside un ritual en ésta (el que lo repetiré, en vez de explicar porque quiero ver el arte y aspecto cultural en esto).

Tú puedes ver y sentir esto, o no lo puedes. Tú talvez digas que un hombre de cultura es más consciente de esto que un hombre que no lo es. El hombre de cultura talvez vea el arte en la corrida de toros, la persona no de cultura, si tiene una mentalidad abierta, también puede ver esto, aunque frecuentemente no.

Cuando pienses en los hombres matando a otros hombres en la guerra, o por placer, o por venganza, la corrida de toros se vuelve más civilizada. En otra nota, el hombre se ha vuelto tan competente en la guerra, mucho más que en la corrida de toros, que en comparación, es simplemente una patada en el dedo gordo del pie. Aún, justificamos la guerra, y criminalizamos la corrida de toros. Creo que en alguna parte a lo largo del camino, se nos cruzaron los chicotes.

Escrito: 4-Agosto-2009 (Articulo en La Corrida de Toros)

Tags:

The Great Tradition of Bullfighting on Display in Cancun

Located just a few miles from the beaches and resorts of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Plaza de Toros delights visitors with one of Mexico’s most fascinating cultural customs. Each week, Cancun’s bullring brings together the bravest animals and most flamboyant matadors for performances rooted in Spanish history and Mexican folklore. Having been a revered sport in the region since the arrival of Cortez, bullfighting is often considered one of the world’s most elegant, but misunderstood, sports. By allowing visitors to see a traditional side of Cancun, the city’s popular bullring is able to provide curious tourists a perfect contrast to the luxurious accommodations and activities of the Hotel Zone.

The tradition of bullfighting stems from the millennium-old Spanish custom of hunting in the wild. In most cases, hunters would encounter deer or boars and the animals would flee, putting up little fight to the pursuing knights and noblemen. However, when Spaniards crossed paths with the Iberian bull, they were surprised at the animal’s unwillingness to flee. In the wild, knights would challenge these noble bulls and later brag about the details of their confrontations. Over time, the animals were transported to Spanish villages where the bullfighters could demonstrate their skill and courage to the public.

The first historic bullfight is thought to have taken place in 1133 to honor the coronation of King Alfonso VIII. Over the next several centuries, the Spanish would organize bullfights at many important events and to commemorate numerous holidays. By the 18th century, bullfighting had descended from the Spanish nobility to become a popular pastime throughout the country. After Francisco Romero became the first professional bullfighter in Spain and transformed the seemingly simple activity into the elaborate performance it is today, the sport found its way to Mexico and Latin America during the colonial period. Today, the sport of bullfighting remains as not only one of the strongest symbols of Spanish culture, but is also held in high regard throughout Mexico and parts of Latin America.

Just as different classes of Spanish society put their mark on bullfighting for centuries, Mexican citizens adopted the sport and added elements of their native culture to the performance. Visitors to the bullring in Cancun – Plaza de Toros – will be treated to an introductory dance performance rooted in Mexico’s rich folklore. Afterwards, the charros – comical cowboy figures known for their large sombreros and similar to the American rodeo clown – perform for the crowd and set the stage for the main event. Most of the bullfights in Cancun feature four bulls squaring off individually with elegantly dressed matadors. During the high-season of November to April, bullfights take place each Wednesday at 3:30 PM and tickets can be purchased at the arena or through your resort’s concierge desk. Admission is free for children under six years of age, while discounts are often available for adult tickets.

While bullfighting is an important part of Mexican tradition and has been enjoyed in many countries for centuries, the spectacle is not for everyone. While the bulls are treated with great reverence in the sport of bullfighting, most matches end with the ceremonial death of the animal. However, when bulls perform well they are often granted victory laps, while some bulls are spared to continue the breed and live out their lives in a comfortable environment. Yet, it must also be understood that bullfighting has longstanding cultural relevance in many countries and while some wary visitors may view the bullfight as cruel, the people of Cancun view the sport as a beautiful and respectful performance. Though some visitors may not like the final outcome, nearly everyone can appreciate the unique cultural traditions and gain a deeper understanding of Mexican history since the arrival of the Spanish.

As Cancun’s Plaza de Toros is conveniently located just north of the Hotel Zone, one of the most elegant and unique sports in the world can easily be enjoyed by visitors. Furthermore, a sunny afternoon with an exciting part of Mexico’s cultural history provides the perfect compliment to the luxurious beaches and resorts that have made Cancun famous.

Tags:

Bullfighting: A Dance With Death

Despite most people’s impression of bullfighting as being unique to only the whitewashed villages of Ronda, in Andalusia, Malaga and Seville (though not villages, are also in Andalusia), are all truly great places to see a bullfight, along with Madrid.

Ronda is the original place where modern bullfighting began, thus the Ronda bullring is held in very high regard among aficionados. However Ronda tucked away in the mountains and its bullring is not that accessible for true, genuine bullfighting fans. There are very few bullfights actually staged in Ronda, perhaps to not only preserve Ronda’s status as the original and genuine home of bullfighting but also to not allow this quint little village to become another tourist trap.

Spain’s bullfighting roots can be traced to prehistoric bull worship and sacrifice. Many link bullfighting to Rome where many animal and even human events were held. Theories exist that bullfighting was introduced into Hispania by the Emperor Claudius, being a substitute for gladiators during a time when a short-lived ban on gladiatorial combat was enforced.

Originally a sport for aristocrats, bullfighting got its start in 711 AD during the celebration of the crowning coronation of King Alfonso VII. Religious festivities and royal weddings were celebrated by bullfights in the local plaza, where noblemen would ride competing for royal favor, and the general population spectators enjoyed the excitement. At that time bullfights were fought on horseback, using the “toro bravo,” a species of bull that has been conserved from an ancient line, found only in Spain, and still used to this day.

King Felipe V detested the sport, saying it set a bad example for the public and banned the it for the aristocracy in 1724. However, commoners loved the sport. Because the common people could not afford horses, the Spanish introduced bullfighting with matadors on foot. Generally regarded as having been the first to do this was Francisco Romero who initiated the rules for this new sport. The Spaniards quickly became true professionals in the practice of dodging the bulls, unharmed, on foot.

Now a part of Spanish culture and tradition, bullfighting is actually considered a form of art and, without question, a national past-time. Although the pitting of man against beast is the end point of bullfighting, the Fiesta is highly ritualized. Bullfighting is also big business in modern Spain.

The bullfighting season runs from April to October. Bullfighting is certainly one of the most well-known as well as the most controversial Spanish customs. A bullfight is also one of the places that the Spanish people truly come together as one mind and one heart to proudly celebrate their heritage. Today several thousand Spaniards seek out the thrill of celebrating a bullfight, the most traditional of the Spanish Fiestas. It is said that the total number of people watching Spanish bullfights are easily over one million per year.

Vista Alegre and La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas are the two bullrings in Madrid. Each has a capacity of 20,000. La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is the more important of the two and is where the majority of the city’s bullfights take place. The most noted of the two Spanish bullrings is La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas that has been in use since 1931. One can find Plaza de Toros Las Ventas on Calle Arenal # 237. If you are going by metro take the metro Ventas. Also, Vista Alegre has, in recent years, been used more as a concert and sports venue.

Bullfights are every Sunday at 7 pm from mid-May (during the San Isidro festival) until October. Some of the best bullfighters can be seen during these times.

Something important to know and remember when you purchase your tickets is the fact that La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is an open-air bullring. Tickets can be purchased in the section that provides shade to the spectators. Remember, it can get very hot in the sunny, open-air area, without shade protection. Naturally, the shaded area is going to cost more money. At the time of this writing open-air tickets were selling for $44.03 USD and the shaded areas for $56.60 USD. Prices are subject to change and only adult tickets are sold. Bullfights are not recommended for children under the age of 14 years, as advised by Madrid’s Children Commissioner.

The smaller La Maestranza bullring in Seville offers 12,500 seats and is one of the most popular arenas, attracting the best bullfighters in Spain. La Ronda’s bullring was built in 1785 and is one of the oldest in the country.

As it is practiced today, a “toreros,” or matador executes various moves and movement which is derived from the bullfighter’s personal style and personality as well as from the school where he learned and perfected the sport.

All bullfighting Matadors derive inspiration and sharpen their artistic abilities by not only the sheer practice of bullfighting, but also the seeking of an emotional connection with the crowd that is always transmitted through the bull. The Matadors maneuvers are always performed at close range, which places the bullfighter at great and grave risk of being gored or trampled.

A bullfight is a show – it is a dance with death; one wrong move and the Matador could become impaled on the horns of the bull. It is the Matador’s job to make this dance dramatic and enjoyable for the audience. A bullfight is most definitely not for the faint of heart!

Matadors wear “Suit of Lights,” an intricately designed beaded and embroidered costumes. A parade of the “paseillo,” or participants, all well choreographed, some riding well protected and decorated horses that circle the arena prior to the release of the bull. High drama at its controversial best is this three-part ritual as old as the sport itself go forth as everybody involved in the bullfight presents themselves to the president of the event and spectators. Two alguacilillos on horseback look up to the president’s box and symbolically ask for the keys to the puerta de los toriles. All of this pomp and circumstance drama is then followed by “corridas de toros,” the actual bullfight.

A bull is then let into the ring as the Matador, the top bullfighter, watches his chief assistant wave a bright yellow and magenta cape in front of the bull. This act is intended to make the bull charge. The Matador watches intently to determine the bull’s qualities and mood, before taking over himself.

A trumpet is then sounded and other several fighters, called Picadores, weaken the bull by placing spears into it. All of this takes about 10 minutes.

Then another trumpet is sounded. The Matador now removes his black winged hat and dedicates the death of the bull to the president or perhaps to the crowd prior to beginning his faena.

The faena, where the matador proves his courage and artistry. It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful and skillful portion of the fight. The faena consists of a running, carrying a muleta, that is held in either the left or right hand, all with the intention of making the bull charge, and when it charges, the muleta is then swung across and away from the matador’s body hopefully taking the bull with it. Always held in the right hand is the espada, the killing sword. The faena continues until the Matador has demonstrated his superiority over the bull. Once this is achieved the bull is ready to be killed.

The matador keeps the bull fixated on the muleta from a distance of about ten feet. At the right moment the matador rushes and attacks the bull, pushing the espada over the horns and deep between the shoulder blades. If the sword hits its intended mark it is an estocada. However, if there is a miss and it hits bone it is a pinchazo or media-estocada. An estocada usually results in the bull dropping immediately to its knees and dying. However, but if the bull fails to die the matador may take a sword with a short cross-piece at the end, called a descabello, and uses it to stab into the bull’s neck severing the spinal cord. The fight is over.

If the matador has moderately pleased the crowd he would normally be awarded an ear of the bull. If pleased with himself as well as the crowd the matador would receive both ears of the bull and possibly it’s tail too.

Most rarely, if the public or the matador believe that the bull has fought extremely bravely, they may petition the president of the event to grant the bull an “indulto,” or a pardon. If the pardon is granted the bull’s life is spared and it is allowed to leave the ring alive and return to the ranch where it came from. At that point the bull then becomes a stud bull for the rest of his life.

As previously mentioned, watching a bullfight is not for the faint of heart. When you visit Spain if you do not think a bullfight is something that you would like to take home as a lifetime memory then choose an alternative, such as a great and wonderful Flemenco!

Tags:

The Controversy of Bullfighting in Barcelona

Most people associate Spain with paella, Picasso and pretty flamenco dancers, but the one thing that everybody associates with Spain is bullfighting. I was one of them until I decided to live here, and discovered that this view of the country was a very narrow one. However, is spite of that, each of these aspects of Spain are nevertheless very important aspects of its culture or cuisine.

The bullfighting in particular is typically Spanish, and if you want to experience a bullfight while you are visiting Barcelona you should do so soon, because it is rapidly dying out and shortly to be banned. From 2012 bullfighting will no longer be permitted in Greater Catalonia, including Barcelona, by order of the local parliament.

So head for the famous Plaza de Toros Monumental Barcelona while you are here, because it may be your final chance to see bullfighting in Spain. Over the last few years this tradition, which has been an important aspect of Spanish culture for centuries, has rapidly been dying and bullfights in Spain have dropped by a third in recent years. The main reason for this has been due to local government cuts affecting the funding that the activity relies upon.

La Monumental, as it is referred to in Barcelona, now holds only a dozen bullfights a year, and is now the only arena left in this part of Spain. Although bullfighting is an inherent part of the Spanish way of life, animal rights activists have campaigned hard to have it banned throughout Spain, and groups such as Equanimal have been very successful in their activities.

Although the recently-announced ban in Catalonia is believed by many to be a manifestation of the deep-rooted aspiration of Catalans to become independent from Spain, emanating largely from the way they were treated during the days of Franco, it is nevertheless perceived by Spaniards all over the country as a barbaric and cruel activity. Some believe that bullfighting is regarded as being typically Spanish, so by banning it the Catalans are seen as being different.

My own sympathies lie with the activists, and I personally have never visited a bullfight, even though I live close to La Monumental. Others disagree, regarding it as a Spanish tradition that should be maintained. This passion is exemplified by the toreros, who pass their skill down from father to son, and they enjoy celebrity status in the same way as Premiership footballers in the UK or NFL quarterbacks in the USA. They are hunted down by both the paparazzi and beautiful women, and their bravery is undeniable. The clothes they wear in battle with the bulls are designed to show off their manhood and every muscle in their body. Any ordinary man would run a mile when presented with such a suit.

Bullfighting started in La Monumental, in 1914 when its doors were first opened. Its name then was Plaza de El Sport, although that quickly changed and by 1916 was known by its current name. The architecture is a combination of Byzantine and Moor, and is prominent for its great beauty amongst the more severe office buildings and apartments on the corner of Gran Via and Marin. You can’t miss its bright blue and white tiles and is a very imposing stadium, holding 19,852 people.

La Monumental has always ranked highly among the bullrings of Spain, and was regarded as one of the top three in the whole of Spain, along with Las Ventas in Madrid and Seville’s La Maestranza. When it was built it added to the existing two stadia in Barcelona, La Plaza de El Torin that no longer exists, and La Plaza de las Arenas in Plaza España that is being converted to a shopping mall. This indicates a deeply ingrained love for bullfighting in Barcelona, even though it has now been banned.

Many of the aficionados visit La Monumental to see the ‘corridas’, as bullfights are known in Spain, simply due to the high reputation the arena has all round the world. The season lasts from April to September approximately, and when not being used for corridas, it is a venue for music concerts, rock gigs and circuses. Among its famous events were a Beatles concert in 1965 (July 3rd), a Rolling Stones gig in 1976 and other concerts involving Bob Marley, Tina Turner and many others.

If you are interested, the Bullfighting Museum of Barcelona is contained in the stadium, and is open during bullfighting season. There you will find many artifacts related to bullfighting, including the heads of some famous bulls, posters and ticket stubs, famous matador costumes, old photographs and many other interesting things connected with bullfighting such as the branding irons of some of the more famous farms.

For the less strong-stomached among you, you can always watch television and see the bulls being stuck with swords or the toreros being gored by raging bulls. Ouch!

While on vacation, you will likely need information on apartments in Barcelona, and you will also have to book early. The city is a very popular tourist destination, so book your apartments in Barcelona for your vacation as soon as you can.

Tags: