Corrida de Toros

This week I went to my first, and last, traditional Spanish bullfight, known as Corrida de Toros. It was an interesting cultural experience, but certainly not my favorite. Although it wasn’t as violent as I was expecting (meaning there wasn’t a ton of blood and gore), it was still really sad. It hurts watching those magnificent creatures be tortured to death (never mind how I used to pull the wings and legs off grasshoppers and other bugs. I was young and naïve). Just because it’s cultural, doesn’t make it right. I’ll spare you my rantings and instead let you in on how a bullfight actually works.

Bullfighting is thought to have originated in Rome, where human-versus-animal events were often held. It’s spread to Spain then makes perfect sense, since, if you recall, Rome controlled much of the Iberian Peninsula for centuries. The modern form of fighting on foot emerged during the 1700s. During a traditional bullfight, there are three toreros (matadors – this word is really only used in English), who each fights two bulls. They also each have several assistants who aid in weakening the bull before the torero even faces it.

From what I could tell, there are five distinct stages in a bullfight. First, the bull enters the ring and is taunted by several men with gold and magenta capes. This gets the bull running around to begin wearing it down.

Next two picadors, or lancers on horseback, enter the ring. Their goal is to get the bull to charge their horse (which is wearing lots of protective padding, thank goodness!!!) to do two things: learn which side the bull favors and weaken the bull by stabbing it just behind the neck, which will force it to carry its head lower. These first two stages are also a way of proving the bull. If it fights particularly bravely and nobly, the crowd will often call for it to be spared. The bull will leave the ring alive and become a stud bull for the rest of its life. They released two bulls at our fight.

The white bulls are used to draw the other bull out of the ring.

Next come three banderilleros who each try to plant two banderillas (sharp, barbed sticks) into the bull’s shoulders. These sticks serve to further anger and weaken the bull.

The torero now enters the ring with his red cape and sword. This first sword, I believe, is just for show and is not sharp. He will trade out swords before actually killing the bull. Also, the red cape is a matter of tradition. Red does not make bulls angry, because they are, in fact, colorblind. The fourth stage is meant to showcase the torero as he continues to wear out the bull. He uses his cape to attract the bull in a series of passes that actually look a lot like an intricate dance. This part is known as la faena. He may demonstrate his dominion by caping the bull close to his body. From what I saw, if he could do that four or five times in a row, the audience would usually start clapping and cheering.

You know the final stage has begun when the torero trades out his sword. His goal is now to maneuver the bull into a position where he can stab it between the shoulder blades, though this does not kill the bull instantly. The assistants with the gold and magenta capes return to spin the bull in circles until it falls to its knees and the torero deals it a final blow to the head. Now I think you can understand why I call it torture.

On a brighter (but still kinda sad) note, I have finals in a week and I leave Spain in eight days. Umm, what? Where did the past month and a half go?! I can’t believe it’s gone so fast. But the end (for now) in Spain, means the beginning of a brief adventure in Rome and Germany, which I can barely contain my excitement for. There is not a terrified part of me this time. It’s pure excitement. Still, I’m not getting ahead of myself. I’m going to enjoy this last week in Spain as much as I can, because that’s why I’m here.