Culture of Spain - Bullfighting in Spain

Whether you like it or not - agree with it or despise it - bullfighting exists in Spain and is an important part of their history and culture. Just because we have written about bullfighting, it does NOT mean to say that we like it or agree with it. We are merely journalists, reporting on how it happens.  The practice of bullfighting could be seen as cruel and a poor form of entertainment. The outcome is guaranteed at the onset and the procedure is barbaric. The cruelty and suffering to the bull is unacceptable to many people.

Bullfighting outlineSpain has always been famous for its bull-fights as have other countries all over the world.. In Spain the bullfight is called the Fiesta Nacional (The national Sport). There are few places in Spain where a bull-ring can't be found within a short drive. It is the most common thing associated with Spain, and rightly so for its origins date back to 711AD when the first bullfight (corrida) took place in honour of the crowning of King Alfons VIII. Every week, all over Spain, many thousands of Spaniards flock to the nearest bullring, but not all Spaniards agree with the sport, or like it. Bullfighting has now been banned in Catalunya and it is likely that other regions will follow suit. It has been reported that this ban will result in thousands of jobs being lost and large sums of compensation being paid to bull breeders.

It is reported that each year[2009], within Spain, 24,000 bulls are killed in front of an audience of 30 million people. The bullfighting season runs from March to October. Bullfighting was originally done on horseback and was a sport reserved for the aristocracy. Bullfighting terms Muleta A small red cloth stretched over a stick (Palo) Capote The red cape Paseillo The parade of fighters at the beginning Corrida A Bullfighting show Espada The matador's sword also called the ESTOQUE Matador The top bullfighter Novilladas Beginners fights Rejoneadores Horse-mounted fighters Toril Enclosure for the bulls Picador Fighter to weaken the bull Banderillas Barbed darts on coloured shafts placed into the bull's shoulders Puntilla A dagger that is stabbed into the base of the bull's skull Puerta grande The main door to the arena Gradas Highest seats at the back of the ring (cheapest seats) Barreras Front seats Sol/Sombra Sun/Shade - the choice as to where you sit Plaza de Toros Bullring Useful links to associations etc..... ASOCIACIÓN TOROS DE LIDIA Paseo Eduardo Dato, 7, Bajo Dcha 28010 Madrid Tel.: +34 - 91 447 57 81 - Fax: +34 91 594 39 59 - E-mail: ediciones@torosdelidia.com CLUB TAURINO DE PAMPLONAE-mail: club.taurino.pamplona@iturnet.es NOTICIAS TAURINAS E-mail: opinion@noticiastaurinas.com PLAZA DE TOROS DE LAS VENTAS Madrid E-mail: redaccion@las-ventas.com