Bullfighting

In the Mediterranean, sacrificing bulls is a practice that dates back to pre-historic times. In Greece for example, killing the minotaur is symbolic of a bullfight. However, some people like to make a connection between the bullfighting and the Roman shows.
Bullfighting as we know it today started in the village squares, and became formalised with the building of the bullring in Ronda in the late 18th century. From that time, it began to follow a particular sequence of events: the entrance of the bull, the picador, the banderilleros, and finally the matador (bullfighter). Many of the picadors' horses were injured in the early days, so these heavy horses now wear protection.

Bullfighting must be understood as an art where the bullfighter dominates the bull and makes him do what the bullfighter wants. A good bullfighter will stay close to the bull and won't move on the bull as it is passing by. However, the real victory is the act of killing the bull, which should be done at once and with the bull dying within a few seconds.

Perhaps you may be more intrigued by the bullfighter costumes. Bullfighters wear what is called in Spanish a "suit of lights." Another thing that you may see happen in a bullfight is that after the bull is dead, the audience shakes their handkerchiefs. This gesture means that the audience thinks that the bullfighter did a great job and deserves an ear or two from the bull as a prize.

A novice bullfighter is called a novillero and fights not in a corrida, but in a novillada with young bulls (novillos)

Bullfighting on horseback is called rejoneo.

Bullrings - Las Ventas in Madrid is the most important bullrings is Spain. The San Isidro fair which usually runs from May 12 to June 6 is the greatest . Seville which locals called "La Maestranza" means where you learn, is the second one. Don't miss the week of fights which coincide with the Seville Spring Fair. Ronda is the oldest bullring in Spain. It hosts the famous Goyesque Fair in early September. Some bullrings house bullfighting museums. They can also be used for other events such as pop concerts.

Bullfighting Magazines such as "6toros6" or "Aplause" can be purchased from news stands in Spain. They give a good insight into the complexity of the sport.

Bullfighting posters can be collectors items. Their style hasn't changed for years. If you take the trouble to read them carefully they explain in detail all about the fight in question. Have a look at some bullfighting posters.

Running With the Bulls

Running with the bulls, or encierros, is a practice that is part of the "Fiestas Patronales" in practically every single Spanish town, contrary to popular belief that it is done only in Pamplona. Of course, the most famous is San Fermin in Pamplona.  Running with the bulls in Pamplona has become too crowded and dangerous.  You can find a more authentic experience in other towns closer to Madrid, like San Sebastian de los Reyes which has its festival at the end of August. Also, close to Pamplona in Tudela, in the region of Navarre, you can find bullfighting and running with the bulls around July 26, the Feast Day of St. Anne.  If you must go to Pamplona, the festival is held from July 6 to 14 each year.  In Toledo, you can find bull fights during the Corpus Christi.  You can also find bullfights in Barcelona, and most major cities in the South.