Bullfighting is a contest between a bull and an individual called a matador. Bullfighting was once popular in many Spanish-speaking countries, in Portugal, and in southern France. In such countries as Spain and Mexico, matadors became national heroes.
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A bullfight takes place in a special stadium called a plaza de toros (bullring). During the bullfight, the matador faces the bull alone, attempting to maneuver the charging animal by waving a cape or a piece of cloth. In most countries, the matador kills the bull at the end of the bullfight. In Portugal and in some bullrings in France, it is illegal to kill the bull. Bulls used in a bullfight are specially bred to attack. They are powerful, ferocious animals that may weigh 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) or more. A bull can seriously gore or even kill a matador with its horns.
Modern bullfighting dates from the 1700’s, when the first permanent bullring was built in Spain. The major breeds of fighting bulls were also developed in Spain during the 1700’s. A number of matadors gained fame during the 1900’s. The best known included Juan Belmonte, El Cordobes, Luis Dominguin, and Manolete, all of Spain, and Carlos Arruza of Mexico.
During the later 1900’s and early 2000’s, many individuals and organizations campaigned against bullfighting. They especially objected to what they consider to be cruel treatment of the bulls and the pain and suffering inflicted on them. Numerous countries have outlawed bullfighting, though bullfights are still legal in about 10 countries.
The bullring
is shaped like a bowl. The bullfight takes place in the center, and the spectators are seated in a circle above. Most arenas are about 55 yards (50 meters) in diameter. The surface consists of firmly packed sand. The bull enters the arena from an entrance called the toril. A wooden fence about 5 feet (1.7 meters) high called the barrera separates the ring from the spectator area. Other facilities at the bullring include corrals for the bulls, an infirmary to treat injured matadors, and a chapel where the matador prays before the bullfight.
Types of bullfights.
A bullfight is called a corrida in Spanish. Of the many types of bullfights, probably the two most common are the corrida de toros and the novillada.
The corrida de toros is the highest form of bullfight. Only matadores de toros participate. A matador de toros has received his title in a ceremony called the alternativa. Only matadors with experience, skill, and popularity are given the alternativa. A matador de toros is entitled to wear the traje de luces (suit of lights), the colorful traditional bullfighting uniform.
The novillada is a bullfight for less skilled matadors, called novilleros. In both the corrida de toros and the novillada, three matadors each fight two bulls, one at a time. The remainder of this article discusses a typical corrida de toros.
The order of the bullfight.
A minute or two before the scheduled start of the bullfight, the presidente and his advisers enter their special box. The presidente is usually a local government official. He presides over the bullfight and gives permission for the corrida to progress from one stage to the next.
The corrida begins when a trumpeter blows a fanfare. Men on horseback called alguaciles ride across the ring to the presidente’s box and tip their plumed hats to get the key to the toril. Next comes the paseo, the parade of matadors and their assistants into the ring.
After the paseo, the bullfight itself begins. The trumpet sounds and the toril is opened to allow the bull to enter the ring. Three of the matador’s assistants, called banderilleros, take turns getting the bull to charge by waving a capote. The capote is a cape that is magenta on one side and yellow on the other. Bulls are color-blind. They react to the movement of the capote. The matador studies the bull, noting the quality of its eyesight and whether it charges straight or favors one horn. The matador then enters the ring and makes five or six passes with the capote, guiding the bull close to his body.
After the passes, the trumpet sounds and two picadors enter on horseback. Each picador carries a lance called a vara. The horses are blindfolded and protected by padding. The picador forces the vara into the bull’s neck to weaken the muscles. This action is also called a vara. After each vara, a matador performs several passes with his capote. These passes are called the quite.
After two or three varas, the trumpet again sounds. The picador leaves the ring and the banderilleros enter. Two of them take turns placing three pairs of banderillas behind the bull’s neck. A banderilla is a wooden stick about 28 inches (71 centimeters) long. It is decorated with colored paper and has a sharp barbed steel point.
The trumpet sounds for the last part of the fight, called the faena. The matador enters the ring carrying a sword and a muleta—a red cloth draped over a stick. The matador performs a number of passes with the muleta. The matador’s performance is rated largely on his grace and the amount of danger to which he exposes himself. Finally, the matador kills the bull with the sword, sliding the weapon between the animal’s shoulder blades. About 20 minutes elapse between the entry of the bull into the ring and its death.
If the matador has performed well, the crowd will applaud and cheer ole! The presidente may award the matador one of the bull’s ears. If the performance is considered exceptional, the matador may receive two ears or even the ears and the tail.
