| Bull fighting is a very popular sport in Spain. It is said that several thousand Spaniards flock to their local bullring each week, and the total number of people watching bullfights in Spain reaches one million every year.
The origin could be traced back to 711 A.D., when the first bullfight took place in celebration for the crowning of King Alfons VIII.
What happens during a bullfight?
First, the bull is let into the ring. Then, the top bullfighter called Matador, watches his chief assistant waving a bright yellow and magenta cape in front of the bull to make it charge. He watches this in order to determine the bull's qualities and mood, before taking over himself.
Second, a trumpet sounds and several fighters called Picadores weaken the bull by placing spears into it. This takes about 10 minutes.
Third, when another trumpet sounds, the Matador removes his black winged hat and dedicates the death of the bull to the president or the crowd before beginning his faena.
The faena is the most beautiful and skillful section of the fight. The matador has to prove his courage and artistry with it. The faena consists of a running at the Matador carrying a muleta. The killing sword is always held in the right hand. The muleta is usually 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 matador attacks by pushing the espada over the horns and deep between the shoulder blades. This stabbing usually results in the bull dropping immediately to its knees and dying. The fight is over.
The matador may be awarded trophies by the president, which can be one or two ears of the bull, the tail and the hoof. The crowd will often encourage the president to award the trophies by waving white handkerchiefs. After the trophies are awarded, the matador throws his trophies into the crowd. The crowd in return hurls flowers that are collected by the matador's assistants.
|
| Kennedy, A. L.(2001).On Bullfighting. Anchor Books,
McCormick, John.(1999) Bullfighting: Art, Technique, and Spanish Society. Transaction Pub,
Douglass, Carrie B.(1999). Bulls, Bullfighting, and Spanish Identities.University of Arizona Press |
|
