Bull fighting season opened yesterday in Acho. There is a large billboard acros the street from where I live, advertising the opening.
It is a sport that causes a lot of controversy here in Peru, with its supporters and its detractors in conflict. Every Sunday, the billboard is de-faced and every Tuesday it is replaced with a brand new one. Both parties are determined. Still, when I think of bullfighting, what always comes to mind is Ferdinand the Bull. Here is a little more about Ferdinand and bullfighting in general.
"One of the most important bullfighting festivals in Latin America, the Feria Taurina del Señor de los Milagros takes place in Lima throughout the month of November.
The most famous matadores and bull ranches in the world compete for fame and glory in the Acho Plaza de Toros, a bullfighting arena erected in 1766 and rebuilt in 1945. People flock from all over the world to witness the bravado and grace of the bullfighters dancing against the bulls in the sand-covered arena. If you're interested in these things, it's the bullfighting experience of a lifetime. On the other hand, if you find the practice of bullfighting unpleasant, we suggest you steer well clear."
"There are two prizes awarded for the event, the Escapulario de Oro for the bravest and most skilful matador and the Escapulario de Plata for the best-presented and most impressive bull. It's doubtful whether the bulls get any prizes for disposing elegantly of the bullfighters.
Bullfighting is inextricably linked to the history and national identity of Peru. Since bulls were introduced shortly after the Spaniards first arrived, the spectacle of bull running has been a rallying point for young and old, rich and poor throughout the country. Shows used to be set up to celebrate visiting dignitaries from Spain, for royal birthdays, military victors and religious holidays."
(http://www.whatsonwhen.com)
Sometimes the bull gets the edge...
We have no plans to go. Looking at the billboard on the street, I thought the matador's hat was crocheted, which was the original impetus for writing this post. But as I researched during the writing, I discovered that it was not. but I did find out a lot about bull fighting in the process.
7 comments:
Nope, couldn't go. I'd feel sorry for the bull -- no matter how handsome and graceful the matador. Do they also use horses in Peru?
OOO I don't think I could attend a bullfight. Thanks for all of the info about it. I like the photos.
Vicki
Once I was in Spain with my husband and parents and the posters went up announcing a bull fight. The fight was on the day we were leaving, so we couldn't go. We had a lot of debate about whether we would want to, given the chance and I must admit I would have cheered for the bull, not the matador - if I managed to make myself go at all. :)
Yeah, I'm not sure I could go to see it, either...I mean, I can't even look at a guy pushing 2 screwdrivers up his nose. I'm not sure I could stomach a bull fight.
After looking at these pictures, I have to say that the bulls are magnificent. So are the men. If they could do this dance without it being a fight to the death, this would be a spectacle that I would go to see. Unfortunately here in Peru, the whole idea of the bullfight is to see the bull killed.
Wow! It's really fascinating. I don't think I could watch, but it's very interesting that such an old sport is still so important and popular.
Cool pics!
I would not go either, you wrote a very informative post, I enjoyed reading it. Do they always kill the bull and if so is it eaten or discarded?
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