Records show the first ever bullfight took place in Spain in 711 A.D. in celebration of the crowning of new King Alfonson VIII. Today it is estimated that over one million Spaniards flock to the bull-ring every year to view this preserved tradition.
Originally bullfighting was a sport for the aristocrats and took place on horseback. King Felipe V took exception to the sport however and banned the aristocracy from taking part, believing it to be a bad example to the public. After the ban commoners accepted the sport as their own and, since they could not afford horses, developed the practice of dodging the bulls on foot, unarmed. This transformation occurred around 1724.
What occurs during a bullfight:
A trumpet is sounded and several fighters called "Picadores" weaken the bull by placing spears into it. Once the bull is noticeably harmed the matador emerges, ready for battle. "Faena" is the most beautiful and skillful section of the fight and where the matador must prove his courage and artistry. This so called dance with death consists of a running at the Matador carrying a "muleta". This is a piece of thick crimson cloth draped over a short stick, which can be held in either the left hand or draped over the "espada", the killing sword, which is always held in the right hand. Usually the "muleta", in left or right hand, is first held in front of the matador to make the bull charge and is then swung across and away from the matador's body hopefully taking the bull with it. The "faena" contines until the matador believes he has shown superiority over his animal opponent.
Once this is proven the bull is ready to be killed. aims the espada between the shoulder blades. The matador attacks pushing the espada over the horns and deep between the shoulder blades. If the sword goes in to the hilt it is an "estocada" but if it hits bone it is a "pinchazo" or "media-estocada". An "estocada" usually results in the bull dropping immediately to its knees and dying and the fight is over. Once dead the bulls horns are cut and he is dragged by two horses around the arena, taking somewhat of a "victory lap".
The matador may be awarded trophies by the judges, according to his skill in working with the bull, which can be one or two ears from the bull, the tail and the hoof. The crowd will often encourage to award the trophies by waving white hankerchiefs, and this waving continues after the trophies have been awarded in an attempt to get the matador to throw his trophies into the crowd.
Although I had been familiarized with the events that occured during a bullfight I have to say the death of the first bull was disturbing. Combined with the fact that the arena atmosphere somewhat resembled that of an American baseball game: with people eating peanuts and drinking beer. Only in this game they weren't cheering for a homerun, double play, or bad umpire call but instead the death of a live animal. Six bulls we watched die that die and with each "victory lap" I found myself getting a little bit more entranced. To the point where when the fourth bull came around I was rooting for the animal and not the human matador. To my dissapointment the bulls were too injured to even put up a fair battle against the spears and swords being continously punctured into them. The "faena" seemed like a robotic dance and barely held any entertainment. Although I respect bullfighting as an aspect of Spanish culture. My final verdict: go watch a flamenco dance instead of a dance between that of the matador and the bull.
Eh, that's horrible!
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