Bull spain spectacle picador association. Spanish bullfighting and bullfighting shows in other countries. Bullfighting arenas

The history of bloody battles between man and wild animals dates back to the times of the Roman Empire. In the arena of the Colosseum, not only slave gladiators, but also free citizens of the Eternal City demonstrated their strength, prowess and valor.

In the Middle Ages, deadly entertainment was revived in Spain. Knights on war horses fought with bulls, hitting them with spears, risking themselves being defeated by angry animals. Already in those days, the church, represented by the Pope, tried to prohibit brutal battles, but met severe resistance from the nobility, led by the king. Bullfights have taken place and take place in other countries and on other continents, but classic bullfight- the pride and heritage of the descendants of the desperate caballeros.

There is no reliable information about when the battle of the bulls began to be called bullfighting. The translation of the word is also quite vague and can be interpreted as a synonym for “run” or have the semantic meaning of “playing with fate.” This is least important for the Spaniards, who simply call the whole action “bulls”.

The fact that the image of a bull is unofficially included in the country’s coat of arms speaks volumes about how proud the Spaniards are of bullfighting. The King of Spain, in response to demands from the European Union to ban bloody bullfights, threatened to leave the eurozone.

The modern ceremony, methods and techniques of bullfighting began to take shape in the 18th century. The negative attitude of the ruling dynasty towards this type of entertainment turned the secular elite of society away from participating in bullfights.

Perhaps no event in the world causes as much controversy as bullfight. Some call it a shocking action, others - a bloody show that must be stopped at all costs, and still others - an enchanting, even magical, event in the country. Passions around bullfighting heat up with the arrival of spring. It is from April (although in some cities of Spain bullfighting takes place in February and March) that the bullfighting season starts. And ardent environmentalists are asking to abandon the country's oldest tradition. It’s not always possible to get to this holiday, because tickets sell out faster than for Spain’s favorite football game.

Bullfighting in Spain- This is not just a bullfight. This is a real performance, with its own rules and rituals, this is a game on the edge of life and death. This is an art that has become a cult and symbol of Spain, a tradition that has developed over centuries. In some regions of the country, for example in Catalonia(in Barcelona) and In the Canary Islands, bullfighting is illegal.

Today we will talk about those arenas where the best fights are held in the country. Perhaps, if you have time, and if you get tired of visiting museums and contemplating the sights in these cities, you will decide to go to the spectacular Spanish bullfighting show. Believe me, if you visit it, you will never regret it!

Something from the history of bullfighting

Spanish bullfight its roots go back to the distant past, when bulls were simply mocked: for the sake of plebeian fun, they were driven through the streets of cities, surrounded on all sides, stabbed with pikes, their horns set on fire, and even thrown off roofs. It is worth saying that not only bulls, but also pigs or roosters acted as victims. The animals ran away, hence the name, which means “running.” And the spectacular performance itself came from ancient Crete: sacred games with bulls were held. Having merged together, this spectacle called “bullfighting” was born.

How is this performance going?

Bullfighting rules at first glance simple. First, the matadors choose the bulls by lot. Then there is a procession of participants. And only then does the show begin. The fight itself lasts 20 minutes. The first two riders - picadors - pierce the bull's withers with their lances and bleed it dry.

The next two - banderilleros - must anger the bull by thrusting two darts into the withers. Then the matador appears - the main one in this whole spectacle. Playing with his cloak, he makes several successful (or not) moves, as a result of which he hits the bull in the most vulnerable place, in the neck.

And here the main thing is to strictly adhere to the ritual: the blow must be fair and beautiful, aesthetics in everything! The bullfight is led by the Chairman. Usually it is the mayor of the city, who gives signals about the start of the performance, decides when to release the bull, strike the bull or, conversely, give him life, and rewards the matadors.

Madrid

Next year bullfight in Madrid will celebrate his 85th birthday. It was here that the largest arena in the country was built, which seats 25 thousand spectators. Called arena La Plaza de Toros de las Ventas. The most spectacular bullfights take place there, and matadors are awarded the title of the best matador in the country. Performances begin in March and last until the end of October. A ticket to the bullfight is available to anyone. The cheapest ones cost 4 euros. The most expensive ones, with good seats, cost 125 euros. On average, you can watch this show in Madrid for 50 euros.

Pamplona

The second largest arena in Spain after the Madrid arena is considered Arena Plaza de Toros in Pamplona. Its stands can accommodate up to 20 thousand spectators, although tickets must always be purchased in advance. But Pamplona is also famous for the fact that in mid-July the city hosts the colorful San Fermin festival.

Tourists fell in love with it thanks to the action described in the novel “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway. This is a street running with angry bulls called "encierro". After such a “jog,” the main spectacle begins in the Plaza de Toros arena. Tickets for such a bullfight start from 70 euros.

Seville

The oldest bullring is located in Seville and is called Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla. This is a real architectural masterpiece, built in the Baroque style, in white and gold. Construction of the arena began in 1758. The best bullfighting masters have always sought to conquer her. And the most spectacular performances take place during the April festival in Seville. The cost of a ticket to a bullfight starts from 38 euros.

Valencia

Probably the most recognizable landmark Valencia is the arena Plaza de Toros de Valencia. It is not small at all and can accommodate up to 16 thousand spectators. In terms of age, the arena in Valencia is also considered one of the oldest, as it was built in 1861. Fights begin in the arena from mid-March, during the holiday La Falla, Holy Week and in July, when the Feria de Julio fair takes place. Tickets for the bullfight are not expensive and start from 10 euros. When bullfighting is not taking place, the arena is used to host various exhibitions and international fairs.

Malaga

Experts and bullfighting fans claim that it is in Malaga you can see real bullfights. This arena adheres to the strictest rules and etiquette. And the building, built back in 1874, is considered a cultural and architectural heritage of Spain. It is he who is depicted on postcards of the city. Fights in Malaga take place on Arena Plaza de Toros. The cost of a ticket depends on the significance (brightness) of the spectacle and the time it takes place. For example, on Holy Week or on September tauromachy tickets are much more expensive. Prices start from 15 euros.

Rhonda

Very often called the birthplace of bullfighting Ronda. There is even a legend here that there lived a certain carpenter Francisco Romero, who saved a noble nobleman with the help of his hat. He distracted the angry bull. This is where the foot bullfight began. Soon the hat was replaced with a cloak, and the carpenter's grandson became the founder of the Romero bullfighter dynasty. Arena Real Maestranza de Caballeria considered the most prestigious in Spain. The most popular bullfight takes place in September and is named after the artist Francisco Goya - Goyesca. The cost of a ticket to a bullfight is from 20 euros.

Bullfighting in Spain takes place in many cities. For example, in the city Valladolid bullfighting is not as colorful as in Granada, but it is famous for the fact that it was first shown on television after a six-year ban on this kind of broadcast. In the city Estepona The arena has a shape that is not quite familiar to bullfighting. There it is elliptical, and all the stands are practically in the shade. Arena Plaza De Toros De Vista Alegre V Bilbao- This is a modern building that was built on the site of a burnt arena. It houses a small bullfighting museum with colorful photographs, bullfighter costumes and stuffed bulls.

If possible, be sure to visit a bullfight to see everything with your own eyes. And not because in Spain “that’s the way it’s supposed to be.” This is not a show, this is an action behind which there are centuries of the country's history. The viewer's heart skips a beat and the hearts of those in the arena pound. Bullfighting is a mystery. And let it become for you what it is for every Spaniard.

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Crowds of tourists have always been attracted to it. People come here to get acquainted with the rich cultural traditions of the country, admire the masterpieces of medieval architecture and simply relax in beautiful picturesque places with a wonderful climate. Among the guests there are many who love to watch bullfights.

Bullfighting in Spain

Bullfighting is the embodiment of the national spirit of the Spaniards. The word corrida means “to run” (from the verb correr). This verb has other meanings, for example, correr una suerte - it means “to suffer some kind of fate.” Therefore, the meaning of the phrase corrida de toros is roughly translated as “running of the bulls.” The Spaniards themselves call bullfighting simply toros, that is, “bulls.”

In terms of its entertainment value, this action is divided into demonstration (for tourists) and real bullfighting. Tourist fight scenes take place all along the coast of Spain. Such bullfights are usually conducted by little-known bullfighters, when they compete with young bulls, and sometimes even with those whose horns have been filed for human safety, and therefore the fight turns out to be less spectacular for amateurs.

Bullfights in Madrid, Rondo, Cordoba and Seville attract fans of “real” fights to their arenas. The cost of such spectacles varies depending on the significance of the events: an entrance ticket can cost either 5 or 250 euros. The place where the bullfight takes place is also important. The price of a ticket in the shade on the grandstand will cost twice as much as on the sunny side.

History of origin

Although bullfighting is a favorite spectacle of the Spaniards, it carries an origin that goes back to the traditions of the peoples of Ancient Greece. The bull has always been a symbol of strength and power for the Greeks. Some peoples revered him as a sacred animal, worshiping his fury, others fought him in ritual games in order to win the right to be called the strongest.

The first appearance of modern bullfighting in the 18th century is associated with the name of the legendary Spanish bullfighter Francisco Romero, who fought a bull while on the ground. Before this, only representatives of the upper class, represented by knights and caballeros, on horseback, had the right to fight with angry animals. Very quickly, fighting (bullfighting) gained popularity in Spain and became an example of the cultural characteristics of its inhabitants.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the “Golden Age” began: at this time the best bullfighters performed, such as Juan Belmonte (a bullfight participant who became its “father”, who introduced features into its style), Jose Gomez and Rafael Gonzalez. At the end of the last century, a protest movement against bullfighting began. And now in Spain animal defenders and environmentalists are speaking out against it, calling for the abandonment of this ancient tradition.

Soldier's costume and weapons

During a bullfight, spectators from the stands begin to follow the figures that are drawn before their eyes: they see a limited yellow plane of sand, the horizontal position of an attacking angry bull, a man in a vertical position, frozen in anticipation of an attack from the animal. From this time on, the perception of bullfighting begins to be enriched with a variety of shades. “Techies” may observe this geometry, imagining drawing geometric lines not with a single-color pencil, but with the shiny multi-colored costumes of bullfighters.

The “Dreamers” have a completely different association in their heads. The matador in low-heeled shoes, in pink stockings, which are worn during choreography classes, dressed in a tight suit that fits his torso, resembles a woman in the battle of the sexes. After all, “newborns” grow up as they cross the arena, so it is the “war of the sexes” that is considered one of the manifestations of adult life and the main concerns. The Ox at this time represents, as it were, the masculine principle, a kind of “macho”: domineering, strong and powerful, who, after four years of will and freedom, has become accustomed to the fact that his desires will be instantly fulfilled. The appearance of an effeminate, weak creature in front of him, who is trying to flirt, “wind up,” forces him to move in a way that is beneficial to the “weak creature.” After all, most women act in this way: with their intelligence, intuition and instinct, they tame brute male power, achieve what they want, so that the representative of the stronger half does not have time to come to the realization of what happened.

Components of a bullfighter's costume and weapons

What do these courageous warriors wear?

Fighting bull

Bullfighting in Spain uses a special breed of bulls that are bred on special farms (ganaderías). Before the fight, a small colored pennant is stuck into the animal’s scruff, indicating its origin. The fights involve bulls that have reached the age of 4 years, but according to the rules no older than 6 years. Sometimes the weight of the animal is regulated, which must be at least 450 kg. After the fight, the bulls have little chance of staying alive in the arena. If the animal still survives, it is used for breeding, but its path to the arena is already closed.

Common people think that a bull is angry and ferocious; it can destroy anything in its path as soon as it sees a red rag. But this is not true at all. In fact, the red color of the animal is not annoying. Bulls have a developed reaction to sudden movements: they become angry when the position of the opposing object quickly changes. When the bullfighter begins to tease the enemy, he makes jerky short movements with his muleta, from which the enraged animal rushes onto the red canvas.

Bullfighting arenas

Bullfighting was first held in rectangular city squares, a typical example being Madrid's Plaza Mayor. After the establishment of new rules in the 18th century, they began to build round squares to prevent animals from huddling in a corner.

The first such square was La Maestransa, built in 1733 in Seville. Usually the sun shines mainly on one side of the arena, which is called Sol - sun. The side in the shadow is called Sombra - shadow. The largest arena in the world where bullfights are held is the Plaza Monumental in the capital of Mexico - Mexico City, which seats 55 thousand spectators. At a time when there is no bullfighting, the arenas are used for holding various concerts and other shows.

Order of conduct representation

The fact that a bullfight is planned in Spain is announced by posters containing the standard wording: the fights will take place on such and such a date, “if the weather does not interfere with the event, the authorities will allow it under the chairmanship...”. The chairman (or president - presidente) is the mayor of the city or some representative of the civil authorities (in Spain, bullfighting is controlled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs). Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs give signals before the start of each phase of the fight and order the issuance of awards to the matadors.

The performance in bullfighting consists of three parts, the so-called thirds: two of them include “trials” (literally this means luck, fate), sometimes each of the phases of the fight is called in the same way. The sound of a trumpet announces the beginning of each section.

First, the picador on horseback teases the bull and wears him down with pikes. Banderilleros walk gracefully and calmly behind the picador with two colorful sharp darts in their hands; they thrust their lances into the bull’s neck, running away in small steps.

Then the main participant in the bullfight appears - the matador, accompanied by kaleodoros waving bright cloaks. For a real bullfighter, the main thing is that he, firmly following traditions, performs established choreographic figures, and not how he knows how to dodge and avoid the blows of an angry bull.

During the last - third of death - the bull is being prepared for death with the help of a muleta and a sword. The animal must be finished off within ten minutes from its start. The killing of a bull must always be done while facing the animal, so that the sword can be thrust between the front ribs to strike directly at the heart and cause quick death. Several mules drag the dead carcass out of the arena and pass it to the butchers waiting outside. They cut up the meat and distribute it to the poor or deliver it to social institutions and hospitals.

How much do bullfighters earn? Bullfight victims

For their performances, bullfighters receive high fees, they are awarded laurels and given honors as national heroes. The fee for one fight on a major arena is approximately 100 thousand dollars. During the entire period of fighting, the matador receives about 20 wounds from a bull's horn. Foot bullfighters begin learning at the age of ten and fighting at the age of 18-20. They retire at 40, and there are about seven stellar seasons in their lives.

In countries such as Spain, France and Portugal, about 6 thousand bullfights and novilladas are held every year, in which more than 30 thousand bulls participate and die. Over the past two centuries (19-20 centuries), 63 matadors, 350 banderilleros with picadors, assistants and masters of ceremonies were killed during battles in Spain.

Monuments to fallen bullfighters have been erected outside the Las Ventas arena in Madrid. Next to them is a monument to Fleming, who discovered penicillin, since after the advent of this antibiotic, the mortality rate of matadors was greatly reduced. And they receive serious injuries during battles very often.

What award do matadors and bulls receive?

If the bull shows exceptional courage and the spectators ask the arena president to spare his life, he may be granted “forgiveness.” In such cases, the killing of an animal is simulated using a banderilla or simply with hands. Usually it is then left for breeding the tribe (semental). But the bull that kills the matador is deprived of his life in any case. It should be noted that “forgiveness” is essentially the main goal of bullfighting. The task of the matador is to reveal and show all the capabilities of the bull, so that the public and the president of the bullfight will grant “forgiveness” to the animal.

More than a hundred years have passed since the glorious bull Murcielago, who was able to withstand 24 blows from a bullfighter and whose name is named after the new Lamborghini car, was pardoned.

A matador who has demonstrated exceptional skill is awarded trophies: there is a different order of awards: first, at the request of the audience, the matador takes a lap of honor around the arena. If the public is satisfied with the art of fighting, then he is given one or two ears, and sometimes he may be given the tail of a bull; in such cases, the matador has the right to sell the opponent he has defeated. These body parts are cut off from a dead or dying animal for trophies and given to the winner, who then takes a victory lap around the arena. If he receives at least two ears during the entire bullfight, the matador is given the honor of being carried out of the arena on the shoulders of fans (salidaen hombros). Spectators may express disapproval by remaining silent, whistling, and throwing the cushions they sit on while watching the fight into the arena.

The fight to ban bullfighting

Although Spanish attractions such as bullfighting are a favorite spectacle for tourists and many Spaniards, anti-bullfighting activists have emerged in recent years. They also oppose the organization of traditional bullfighting outside the country (for example, in Russia this action lasted in 2001-2002). Bullfighting is no longer held in the Canary Islands, although cockfighting, a local tradition, continues. In 2004, Barcelona was declared a “city without bullfights,” but this declaration did not gain the force of law, since the central government deals with fighting issues. And bullfights are still held regularly in Barcelona.

In July 2010, members of parliament voted to ban bullfighting from 2012. In 2007, Spain began a campaign to ban the showing of bullfights on television. The employees of the central channel TVE do not show bullfights; they stated that they refuse to show scenes of violence and cruelty, since their television programs are also watched by children.

Arguments of supporters for holding bullfights

Bullfighting in Spain is an integral part of the culture of the people. The bullfighter demonstrates beautiful art, like a ballet dancer. The public comes to see not how the bull suffers, but the fearlessness and skill of the participant.
Supporters of bullfighting believe that bulls suffer in the same way as other domestic animals, but what makes bulls die is that they die with dignity, and when they show exceptional courage, they can be “forgiven” and allowed to live.
With the help of bullfighting, a unique breed of fighting bulls has been preserved, which would have disappeared forever on earth.

Bullfighting in Spain is a dangerous sport that excites the blood; a graceful art comparable to ballet; centuries-old traditions and the embodiment of the Spanish character, passionate and expressive.

Originating in ancient times, bullfighting has always been associated with confrontation. Initially, man challenged the dangerous animal and nature itself. During the heyday of the Spanish Empire, attending bullfights became a luxury that only kings and court nobility could afford. Poets, writers and artists of various eras had mixed feelings about this hobby. Garcia Lorca called bullfighting “a true drama,” and the Spanish artist Goya created a whole series of works with scenes of bullfighting and even depicted himself as a bullfighter.

Some admire this exciting spectacle, others condemn it. But definitely, bullfighting is worth seeing at least once in your life!

Where does bullfighting take place in Spain?

Arenas (plaza de toros) are divided into three categories. The highest are the largest arenas of Madrid, Pamplona, Seville, Valencia, Cordoba and Malaga. The second category includes the arenas of the main cities of the Spanish provinces. Among them, for example, is the bullring in Alicante. The third category is small arenas in coastal towns such as Benidorm or Benalmadena (in the south of the country).

In the “orange capital”, finding a bullring is not difficult - it is located next to the northern railway station and almost in the very center of the city. Bullfighting has been held there for more than a century and a half.

Bullfighting in Valencia will not only give you pleasure, you will feel like you are in Ancient Rome. The Valencian arena is shaped like the Colosseum, where gladiator fights were held: a large audience was seated in a circle, and the action itself took place in the center on the sand.

You should go to the most grandiose bullfights in Valencia in March, during the celebration of Las Fallas. The program promises to be intense. Tickets are on sale now, but due to high demand, early booking is recommended. Our service center specialists will help you purchase tickets to the bullfight in advance.

Buy a ticket to the bullfight

When you look at the price list for bullfighting, you may be surprised at the range of prices - from 10 to 100-200 euros. The Spaniards themselves, when buying tickets to a bullfight, first of all pay attention to who will perform. The more famous the bullfighter, the more expensive the “performance”.

Also, the price depends on where you sit. However, the principle “the closer, the better and more expensive” does not apply here. Typically bullfighting in Spain starts at 5 pm and one side of the arena has sun and the other does not. Privileged places are in the shade, they are called “sombra” (shadow). Cheaper tickets are classified as “sol” (sun). Where to sit is up to you, but it so happens that in the sun the public is more active and cheerful.

Where to buy bullfight tickets

Do you want to visit a bullfight while traveling? There is no point in delaying purchasing tickets until you arrive at your intended vacation spot. Thanks to the development of technology and the Internet, you can plan your trip to the bullfight in advance and reserve seats without leaving your home. The most reliable way to purchase tickets is through the official websites of the arenas where the fights take place or on the official websites of distributors, for example: bullfightticketsmadrid.com, tengoentradas.com, taquillaoficial.com. It is important to know that sometimes instead of a ticket, the buyer is sent a barcode, according to which he must receive a ticket directly at the box office at the venue of the bullfight.

Bullfighting schedule in Spain 2018

Attention! Arenas may change event dates, so please check this site for the correct date before purchasing tickets.

Bullfighting in Barcelona

Barcelona also boasts a beautiful architectural structure, the Monumental Arena, which opened in 1914 and was the last bullfight in Catalonia. Another defunct bullring in Barcelona, opened in 1900 and built in the Neo-Mudéjar style, graces the Plaza de España. Tourists come there not to watch a fight to the death, but to empty their wallets. The arena was converted into a shopping center after the official abolition of bullfighting in Catalonia in 2012.

The reason for this decision was numerous discontent from both local residents and animal rights activists. The last bullfight at the Monumental was sold out on September 25, 2011. And even the fourfold markup on tickets didn’t bother anyone. Catalonia became the second region after the Canary Islands to ban bullfighting.

It is worth noting that, according to a recent decision of the Spanish Constitutional Court, holding bullfights in Catalonia is again possible. However, such an event will apparently not happen soon, since the current owner of the Monumental arena does not yet plan to use the building for its intended purpose.

Bullfighting in numbers

In 1775, the first round bullring (plaza de toros) was built in the southern Spanish city of Ronda. Fights are still taking place there. Ticket prices range from 30 to 100 euros.
Enrique Ponce is the richest bullfighter (according to People with money magazine), his fortune is estimated at $58 million. A ticket for his performance in Valencia costs from 40 to 100 euros.
In 1958, four-meter figures of bulls appeared on Spanish highways, advertising Osborne brandy. And in 1994, the Spanish Congress of Deputies passed a law recognizing these bulls as “a cultural and artistic element of the Spanish landscape.”

Corrida, or bullfighting, is a traditional entertainment spectacle in Spain. It exists in other varieties, notably in Portugal and a number of South American countries. But still, in its real, traditional form, bullfighting can only be seen in Spain.

From this article you will learn about the origins of this spectacle, its historical development, what a Spanish fighting bull is, intended for bullfighting, and how exactly the fights are held.

Where did bullfighting come from?

Bullfights as entertainment events have been known since the times of Ancient Greece and Imperial Rome. However, the origins of this modern spectacle, as historians suggest, go back to the ritual killings of bulls, which were considered sacred animals by the Iberians, a people who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula about 4 thousand years ago.

Only gradually did this action acquire the features of a certain theatricality. Such famous rulers as Charlemagne and Alphonse the Wise were partial to bullfighting. And in the Middle Ages it became entertainment for all persons of noble birth.

A little history

By the 16th century, bullfighting became what can already be called a “cultural factor.” Most people cannot do without this grandiose spectacle. It has become a tradition to hold bullfights in one of the central squares in Madrid - Plaza Mayor. True, Pope Pius V then issued a document prohibiting organizing and observing bullfights on pain of excommunication, but soon this decree - not without the participation of the then monarch - was canceled.

By the beginning of the XYIII century, bullfighting became a favorite entertainment of the lower class. At the same time, it became almost everywhere on foot, only in some areas horse-drawn bullfighters (picadors) entered into battle with bulls. The rituals were fully formalized over the next century and have come down to our time as they were, for example, in medieval Andalusia.

The “Golden Age” is called the 10-20s of the twentieth century. This was the time of glory for the Spanish matador Juan Belmonte, who is still called the founder of the style of modern bullfighting, and his equally famous rivals Jose Gomez and Rafael Gonzalez.

Bullfighting and the animal rights movement

Bullfighting has always evoked conflicting emotions among spectators - from sharp rejection to noisy delight. But it was only after the Civil War that opponents of this art form most loudly declared themselves. Their pressure only increased in the future. It is very possible that currently bullfighting has almost more enemies than supporters. And although bullfighting is no less important to Spain than football, representatives of animal rights organizations are determined to get the European Parliament to ban these performances. And if Spain as a whole has not yet given up under their onslaught, then in Catalonia the last bullfight took place on September 25, 2011. They say that more than 20 thousand spectators attended this bloody performance that day at the Monumental stadium in Barcelona.

Bullfighting in Spain has always been valued as a holiday, although it took place according to a special schedule. Many tourists flocked and continue to flock to it. In addition, wealthy people can order a separate performance at their own expense.

And still the most attractive feature of bullfighting remains its unpredictability. Except that matadors, they say, now die much less frequently, thanks to the achievements of modern medicine.

What does a bullring look like?

At first, when bullfighting was just emerging and going through the first stages of its development, the arenas were rectangular in shape. As a rule, city squares were set aside for this spectacle, as was the case in Madrid. The same squares hosted the most important events for the country - for example, parades or coronation celebrations with monarchs addressing their people.

In the 18th century, when the rules of bullfighting were almost finally formed, the shape of the arena changed - it became round. This was done so that the bulls would not have the opportunity to hide in a corner during the performance. Over the following years, the circle transformed into an elongated oval. Otherwise, everything remained traditional - sandy surface, seats for spectators like an amphitheater. The arena is separated from the spectator areas by a protective barrier usually at least 140 cm high. There are also service premises there.

It is interesting that the largest arena is not located in Spain - the largest arena for holding a bloody spectacle today remains the Monumental Plaza de Toros arena in Mexico City. It is designed for 55 thousand spectators.

About the bullfighter

A considerable amount of time was needed for the boy, who was sent to be trained by a venerable bullfighter, to also become a professional. A matador (translated from Spanish as “killer of bulls”; other names are bullfighter or bullfighter) was a respected person in Spain. As a rule, money and fame accompanied honor. And injuries, since it was practically impossible to maintain good health into old age, earning a living from such a dangerous craft. Many of the bullfighters died in their youth. Those who managed to survive, it was once calculated, received at least 200 wounds of varying severity during their careers.

Surprisingly, the matador profession in Spain remains one of the most attractive at present. Among them there are even representatives of the fair half of humanity.

In Madrid, by the way, an educational institution for training matadors was opened in 1976.

Bullfighter costume

The outfit of a foot bullfighter was called traje de luces, which literally means “suit of lights.” Until the 18th century, it was made of suede, and then it began to be made of silk and decorated with embroidery made of gold and silver.

The costume itself usually contains the following elements:

montera - a Spanish flat hat, in the manufacture of which coarse black velvet thread was used;
a short jacket decorated with gold tassels hanging from the shoulders;
tight trousers with suspenders;
the shirt is usually white, with a frill or tie.

Among the accessories that complemented the appearance, the matador entering the arena also had knee socks (usually pink) and false braids with ribbons (colets), which served to secure the headdress.

The bullfighters had black shoes with a bow as decoration, without heels, and with non-slip soles. The most luxurious thing in a bullfighter's costume was, of course, the cloak (some matadors did without it), also with numerous decorations in the form of drawings or embroidery - Capote de Paseo. Another accessory that bears a similar name, the Capote, is a fabric of the same shape as a cape, but heavier. It is used to play bullfighting with a bull. Finally, there is also a sword with which the matador stabs the bull. The end of this weapon is slightly curved and is called muerte (meaning "death").

Spanish fighting bull

This animal, which zoologists otherwise call the Lydian bull, in its constitution is closest to the aurochs (the Spanish name for the fighting bull is toro) - an ancient extinct artiodactyl, which is considered the ancestor of all. It was huge and clumsy, with a long massive body and large and sharp horns.

Is there a breed of Spanish bulls intended for bullfighting? Yes, these animals have been bred exclusively for this purpose for so long that they can be separated into a separate breed. Each bull has its own pedigree.

Of course, an animal intended for bullfighting must impress the viewer with its size and evoke fear and awe. The height at the withers of an adult bull is on average a little more than one and a half meters. How much does a Spanish bull weigh? Its weight is 350-500 kg (the norm is 450 kg), depending on whether it is a male or a female. You can see what a real Spanish bull looks like in the photo below. Handsome. is not it?

The age of the Spanish fighting bull, which is being prepared for the spectacle, is also important. A bull calf under two years old is called a calf, from 2 to 4 years old - “noviglio”. Only at four years old will the animal be fit for full-fledged bullfighting. Experienced matadors will come out to fight him. In addition, in accordance with ancient canons, when the slaughter of an animal was a ritual act, it had to have a dark color - preferably black, but dark brown is also possible.

In order for a Spanish bull to be recognized as fit for fighting, it must pass seven “castes” - special selection criteria. This must be a real fighter who can stand up to a bullfighter.

Bulls brought to the city for fighting were driven through the streets before they began. This action also became traditional. The running of the bulls was not so much an advertising campaign as it gave every resident the opportunity to feel like a participant in a bullfight, dodging the hooves.

Before the fight, a colored pennant was stuck into the bull's neck, indicating which farm the animal was raised on. Most fights ended with the death of the animal. But if he still managed to survive, he ended his days on a farm, where he was used exclusively for breeding.

Stages of the fight

The spectacle traditionally consists of three parts, which are called thirds. The beginning of each of them is announced by a loud trumpet sound. The first two thirds refer to test battles. In the initial stage, the main participants of the bullfight - the matadors - enter the arena. They march past the chairmen according to routine: in the first row are the bullfighters themselves. In the rest - the assistant retinue of the main participants (picadors, or mounted fighters, and banderilleros). Next come the stage workers.

In the first third ("third of peak"), a bull will be released from the corral and meet with the bullfighter's assistant. He will carry out a series of manipulations with the cloak in front of the animal in order to awaken its aggression.

Then a picador (one or two) will appear. His task will be to use a pike to hold the bull inside the white circle. In this case, the horse is usually dressed in special protective armor, since an angry bull often rushes at the horse, trying to knock it over with its horns. In this third, the bull is brought to such a state that he rushes around the arena, literally sweeping away everything in his path. There were cases when the animal reached the audience.

It must be said that the profession of picador is the most traumatic in bullfighting. Many of them fall off their horses and fall under the hooves of heavy animals. There were also cases when, after a picador fell, a horse fell on him.

The second third is otherwise called the “third of banderillas.” Its purpose is to “amuse” the bull and moderate its rage. Banderilleros stick special miniature spears with a multi-colored edge on the shaft - banderillas - into the withers of the bull. They remain in the animal's body until the end of the fight.

The final

The third third consists of the main action of the fight - killing the bull. As a rule, the matador dedicates this death to one of the chairmen. Therefore, before starting the fight itself, the bullfighter takes off his hat and bows towards this person. Sometimes he makes a speech. Then, according to established tradition, he usually throws his hat over his left shoulder without looking. It is believed that if the hat falls upside down, it is a bad sign, foreshadowing the injury or defeat of the matador.

Actually, the last third begins with the so-called muleta test. Using a number of techniques "pas de pecho", "trinchera"), getting as close as possible to the animal, the bullfighter waves a large red cloak in front of him, which drives him crazy. After which the bullfighter must stab the bull with a sword in the heart. If after the first ten minutes of the third the bull is still not killed, the bullfighter is given a warning. After three minutes, if the position does not change, a second one follows.

The main thing that a matador needs to do for the fight to be considered successful is to kill the bull, being in close proximity to it, as they say, “face to face.” The sword must enter a certain place between the ribs and pierce the heart. All this is done to ensure that the animal does not suffer. Of course, killing a huge angry bull with one blow is a very difficult task, so it happens that the first blow is unsuccessful, and the second too. At this, the most dangerous stage, the wounded animal often suffers, bleeding, and it can injure or kill the matador himself.