BULL FIGHT!

Just got back from the Bull Fight at Plaza de los Torros. This is an experience that I don't think I would repeat, but that I appreciate having witnessed because it's an incredible cultural aspect of Spain!

The stadium was packed, as you can see:




Now, before the games began (six bulls were killed, by the way) there was some sort of ceremony with the torreros (who did the fighting) and their assistants who would anger the bull with pink capes, and the horses that drag the dead bull off the ground, etc... These men were VERY skilled, they performed a little dance with their horses, and the amount of skill that they have with riding is almost indescribable... Here are some pictures from the opening ceremonies. Now I don't know who each person is but I'm interested in doing some internet searches to learn!








Now, I won't put up too many gruesome pictures, I didn't photograph the terrible scenes full of blood, and I was also far enough away to not have perfectly clear pictures of the mess going on.











Now, one thing I learned is that as a bull-fighter, the crowd has no respect for you if the bull suffers. Generally speaking, the same number of stabs are used, and each round uses a different "weapon" to ultimately finish the job hopefully at one moment. (Sorry if it's too gruesome for you guys!). There was one bull-fighter who was unable to succeed in that, and his bull suffered. He was booed by the crowd and no given an opportunity to walk around receiving flowers and alcohol, hats, etc... from the crowd members. These pictures (once again, not too gruesome) show the bull-fighter having failed. He received no cheers.





Also, I wanted to make a huge point of saying that the bull-fighters are INCREDIBLY attractive. All had long brown hair that flowed in the wind while they were riding their magnificent horses.... haha! They received so many flowers, love, cheers, etc... from the crowds. I think they have quite a lot of success with the ladies...





Once a bull was killed, the special horses that were in the opening ceremony came out to take it away.




Also, check out this view from the balcony, and a few pictures of us in the group!






So, all in all, the bullfight was very interesting a great experience! It was pretty violent, but when I took a step back and saw how much skill and talent is involved, as well as the cultural meaning to the people watching and participating, it's really interesting! SCARIEST PART-- Bull jumped into the crowd!! Nobody was hurt, but this is indeed a crazy event!