Should we go to a Bullfight in Spain??

BULLFIGHT!!

As a tourist in Spain, I want to partake in the cultural experience of a bullfight in Spain. The reason I want to go is just to see this ancient Spanish tradition. Because of it's long history, the art of the  torero (bullfighters), the physical requirements to prevent their own death and the exquisite costumes I really think I want to go.  Vic said NO, I'm not going! My brother Johnny weighed in on this as well. " Do not go! That is a cruel and murderous sport!!!" 

I have said that I am going to look into it and decide at a later date.

Here are some things that I have learned so far…..

Bullfighting in Spain goes back to 711 A.D., with the first official bullfight, or "corrida de toros," being held in honor of the coronation of King Alfonso VIII. Once part of the Roman Empire, Spain owes its bullfighting tradition partially, to gladiator games. At first, bullfighting was done on horseback and was reserved for Spanish aristocracy, but King Felipe V ended this trend because he believed it was in poor taste for nobles to practice such a bloody sport. Commoners continued to develop bullfighting on foot with smaller weapons. The art of dodging and stabbing the bull grew into its present form around 1724, and matadors today still cling to a traditionally strict code of conduct. The oldest bullring in Spain is located in the southern town of Ronda, but cities like Madrid, Seville and Pamplona also have a rich bullfighting legacy and some of the largest rings in the world. Interestingly bullfighting was outlawed in Catalonia (the very independent territory of Spain that includes Barcelona) in 2011.

There seems to be 3 parts to the bull fight.

The entry ceremony

Flirting with the bull (my term)

In this stage, the matador tests the strength of the bull with a series of taunts and passes. The bull charges the cape and the matador must gracefully move aside at the last moment if he wants to gain the hearts of the audience.

The picador stage is the next part of the bullfight. Picadores are bullfighters on horseback with protective armor and lances. They taunt the bull until it charges, at which points they stab the bull in the shoulders to anger it. Horses are sometimes gored, but usually all participants make it out alive. This stage continues with banderilleros who rush the bull on foot and toss colored darts into its back.

The Kill 

The killing stage wraps up the bullfight. The bull is tired and weak from the rushes and stabbings. The matador moves in with a smaller cape and a long sword that he will plunge into the back of the bull as it makes a final lunge at its tormentor. A clean kill earns more respect. The bull topples over and an assistant runs out to cut its throat. For an excellent performance, the bullfighter might be rewarded with the ear or hoof of the bull. The bull is tied to a pack of horses and dragged out of the ring as the matador makes his victory lap.

A typical bullfight features six bulls,three matadors (1-matador de toros, (lit. "killer of bulls") , 2-Picador (on a horse), 3- Banderillero) and then the crew of assistant bullfighters. The entire event can last three or four hours.Typically on Sunday afternoon.

Well, there is my very brief synopsis of a bullfight.

I still do not know if I would go. I'm still considering it.

What do you think???


Hike update   Long hike today --We hiked 8 miles, at Crowders Mountain.
It wasn' easy, but we did it in 4 hours. Not great, but mission accomplished.