La Plaza de Toros 

un sitio y experiencia

One of the things Spain is well known for is the Plaza de Toros--where Bullfighting is held. Before coming here, I didn't realize the bulls were actually killed. The thought of making death a spectaor sport gave me mixed feelings. On one hand I love the sport of things. I love games, entertainment, and demonstration of skill. On the other-hand I hate seeing others (including creatures) in pain. Others in Spain have the same feeling. There's plenty of plotical debates and groups of people advocating the termination of it. 

In the end, I was here to experience the culture and wanted to do just that. 

It was a quite the experience. 

It began with a crowd covering the streeting, making their way to the stadium. Vendors were out selling sunflower seeds, otros bocados, y cushions for the four hour event. Six bulls were waiting inside. After the compenzing song, the first was released. Six or more toreros stood in the ring with pink flags. Their objective was to attract the bull's attention, play with it, get it to run around, and wear it out a little. 

Soon the horses would come out. Their purpose was to be bait for the bull. They were clad in thick matts for protection. The bul qould charge and spear the horse (you just pray not to see the horse injured). Stuck and vunerable, the man on the horse makes the inital strike peircing the back hump of the bull.  After that, a couple banderilleros come out. They play chicken with the bull, taking two banderillas and attempt to stab it in the same spot as the inital strike. Some stick and some don't. After that, the final round begins. 

The main Torero enters the rings. Es solo el Torero y el Toro. The elegance and egotism shows in the way they dance together. The torero shows just how close he can be to danger without getting hurt. At times he turns his back to the bull and walks toward the crowd, his chest puffed out in pride. Teh crowd goes wild. Whenever the flag flips the crowds cheers "Ole!" This repeats for some time. 

You can see the chest of the toro heave heavily in exhaustion. It's reaction slows. It's head bows lower and lower. At times it even kneals accidentally. At this time the Torero straightens his sword. I get anxious :(

They stare at eachother, the sword pointed at the bull. I think the bull knows what's about to happen. 

It takes a few more heavy breathes then charges one last time. The Torero charges back, striking, and dodging out of the way in the last second. If it's a good strike the bull wavers, wandles a few steps, then slowly comes to the ground. If it's bad, well...it takes some time. 

The mayor of the city sits up top having observed the whole show. He is to judge what prize the mandator gets. If it's an excellent strike and show, the Teror can recieve the highest prize--both ears and the tail. If it's bad, he recieves nothing. 

The crowd stands and waives white tissues, towls, and cloths, similar to the ones the mayor displays. Everyone is cheering and yelling, and waiving their cloth. 

One white flag is shown by the mayor. But this doesn't please the crowd. One prize is not good enough. Everyone continues to stand and yell. The Mayor and his companions converse intensively. As if it was a reluctant decision, another white flag is shown. The Madator gets two ears for his kill and the crowd is pleased. 

Helpers flock in to rack the stadium, and drag the bull out of the ring. It's off to the carnicero (butcher). Meanwhile, the Torero takes his victory lap with his prize in hand 

It was a little upsetting to see, but at the same time fascinating. This was a tradition held for centuries. It's like an ancient art. They know how to dazzle it, but the purpose of the event cannot be hidden. I enjoyed myself. I was intregued by the whole show. We made friends with those sitting next to us as well (it's hard not to when you are elbow to elbow with them). With free drinks, food, and laughes, it made the event more enjoyable. I ended up interacting with the people around more than watching the show. Ha It was fun though and well worth it.