CORRIDA DE TOROS
1. INTRODUCTION
Approximately 250,000 bulls die each year in the name of tradition and culture. A more ritualistic slaughtering where Matador risks their life. Some deem it as a merciless act, whereas, others think it is an emblematic sport which is essential in the Mexican cultures.
Bullfighting a sport originated in Spain in the eight centuries. Chieftains and knights proved their enmity by challenging in a ring by killing bulls. A weird but still fascinating sport introduced in Mexico by early conquerors the Spaniards.
Today Mexico is the most bullfighting country in the world. The first bullfights were in the year 1526. But the development of this sport began in the year 1887 and today bullfighting is legal in Mexico (no law to animals’ protection act) which generated 500 bullrings and 12 bullfighting schools.
Known as Corrida de toros, it takes place in gigantic arena known as Plaza de toros during specific months (October to April). The biggest bullring in the world set up in Mexico can accommodate 45000 people which evidently state its weight in the Mexican cultures. 2. THE ACT – “OLÉ”
The Matador - Using the human attributes of enhancement, elegance and propensity, have to sustain his tempo of danger. Audience will yell out “Olé” if they are delighted by the Matador’s act.
2.1 THE CHALLENGE
The intent is to fight and to kill a bull with a sword. Bullfighters - the matador also branded as Toreros; wave their caps to urge the bull to charge and exhausting the animal causing it to lower its head. Then banderillas (short barded sticks) are planted on the body of the bull, escalating more fierce charges and weakening the animal.
To end with, the matador holds the muleta (small cloth) which hides a sword beneath for the lethal blow. After dominating the animal, the matador needs to move toward the animal from the front and killing it by thrusting his sword into the bull heart between its shoulders.
2.2
Approximately 250,000 bulls die each year in the name of tradition and culture. A more ritualistic slaughtering where Matador risks their life. Some deem it as a merciless act, whereas, others think it is an emblematic sport which is essential in the Mexican cultures.
Bullfighting a sport originated in Spain in the eight centuries. Chieftains and knights proved their enmity by challenging in a ring by killing bulls. A weird but still fascinating sport introduced in Mexico by early conquerors the Spaniards.
Today Mexico is the most bullfighting country in the world. The first bullfights were in the year 1526. But the development of this sport began in the year 1887 and today bullfighting is legal in Mexico (no law to animals’ protection act) which generated 500 bullrings and 12 bullfighting schools.
Known as Corrida de toros, it takes place in gigantic arena known as Plaza de toros during specific months (October to April). The biggest bullring in the world set up in Mexico can accommodate 45000 people which evidently state its weight in the Mexican cultures. 2. THE ACT – “OLÉ”
The Matador - Using the human attributes of enhancement, elegance and propensity, have to sustain his tempo of danger. Audience will yell out “Olé” if they are delighted by the Matador’s act.
2.1 THE CHALLENGE
The intent is to fight and to kill a bull with a sword. Bullfighters - the matador also branded as Toreros; wave their caps to urge the bull to charge and exhausting the animal causing it to lower its head. Then banderillas (short barded sticks) are planted on the body of the bull, escalating more fierce charges and weakening the animal.
To end with, the matador holds the muleta (small cloth) which hides a sword beneath for the lethal blow. After dominating the animal, the matador needs to move toward the animal from the front and killing it by thrusting his sword into the bull heart between its shoulders.
2.2
References: Webpages: 1. History of Corrida de toros http://www.mexicofile.com/bullfightinghistory.htm [accessed on 13.09.2013 at 21:37] 2. Bullfighting in Mexico http://www.cas-international.org/en/home/suffering-of-bulls-and-horses/bullfighting/mexico/ [accessed on 13.09.2013 at 21:39] 3. Bullfighting events and pictures http://www.theguardian.com/world/bullfighting [accessed on 13.09.2013 at 21:46] 4. Controversies of bullfighting in Mexico http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/bullfighting-a-tradition-of-tragedy.aspx [accessed on 13.09.2013 at 22:34]