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Bullfighting - La corrida de Toros, SEVILLE

Introduction

For some it is an art form but for others it signifies a tragedy in three acts. Bullfighting still has its fans in spite of the sacrificial ritual of a brave animal for the greater glory of man. And surprisingly, during the bullfighting season – from the beginning of Spring to the end of October – more people attend bull fights than football matches.

The nature of bullfighting cannot be compared to that of football matches. Bullfighters are always aware of their precarious situation and the tragic death of the greatest fighters such as Manolete in 1947 or more recently that of Francisco Rivera, is constantly on their mind.

On the other hand, bullfighting does not explain nor does it criticise, it is something that has to be felt. Numerous writers have composed passages on bullfighting, such as Federico García Lorca, who dedicated a poem to the matador Ignacio Sánchez Mejías. Upon entering the ring the audience watches the drama mixed with excitement and experiences the tense silence of fear before getting caught up in the event that unfolds before them. This is the only way to appreciate the intensity of the show.

From a technical point of view it has three parts called “tercios” or “suertes”: sticks, barbed darts and finally the matador’s stick with a red flag attached to it. The president of the fight, which includes six fights lasting 20 minutes each, opens the ceremony by waving his white handkerchief.

When the bull enters and during the first part, the matador in his traditional costume raises the red and gold flag. He makes sweeping motions with the cape and helpers both on foot and on horseback drive their lances into the bull, gauging the liveliness and characteristics of their opponent.
During the second part of the fight three pairs of darts are driven into the bull’s neck. In the final and the most distressing part of the fight the bullfighter becomes a killer.

This is the most dangerous part where he attracts the injured animal towards him. At the last moment he must kill the beast with a single thrust of his sword.

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