A cultural thing?

About ten years ago I wasn’t sure what to think about bullfighting, and figured, like many foreigners do, that it was a good show and part of the culture. So I went to the bullring and saw the fight. Now, this was in Mexico not Spain, but the concept is the same.

I’ve not been to another bullfight and did not get through the fight in Mexico. That’s the thing about bullfighting, they kill the bull. You need to be ready to see a bloody fight if you go to the bullring. This is not your typical Western Rodeo. If you get queasy when you order fish and it comes with the head still on, think twice about bullfighting.

Bullfighting in Madrid…

But what if you want to see Spain like Hemingway did? The dust, the grace, the thrill of the clash between man and beast? Well then you can, at one of Madrid’s Sunday bullfights at Plaza de Toros las Ventas. From March to October, there are fights on regularly, and if you do your homework you can plan to see a famous Spanish bullfighter in the ring. Bullfights are called “corridas de toros” and tickets at Las Ventas go between €5 and €150.

For the most part, the bull dies. It dies because it is repeatedly wounded and subsequently loses blood and the strength to fight. Once in a while a bull might injure, maim or kill a “matador” or bullfighter, too. So this is another aspect you must be prepared for at a bullfight, that is, the possibility that you might witness a human death. This is not your average sport where a soccer player sprains an ankle!

…and throughout Spain

Of course, Madrid is not the only place in Spain where you can watch men in tight costumes against pissed-off bulls. Indeed, bullfighting still happens all over Spain.

One of the most popular bullfighting “fiestas” is San Fermin in Pamplona, which is coming up next month in July. If you’ve read The Sun Also Rises, by our friend Hemingway, then you have some idea of what to expect from Pamplona. During San Fermin bulls run through the streets into the bullring early in the morning. The daring and sober are able to run with these bulls, and many do each year. It’s important to mention that each year runners are also seriously injured and at times killed.

Supporters and detractors

Not everyone supports bullfighting for reasons that I think are pretty obvious. Animal rights groups are clearly against bullfighting claiming that the activity taunts and tortures the animal.

Also, bullfighting is seen as a very Spanish sport. Therefore, some who do not feel Spanish and may even wish to separate from Spain are against bullfighting. This is the case for many in Catalonia, where bullfighting was banned in 2010 (the ban was the result of many factors). In Barcelona, the elaborate bullring on Plaça Espanya is now a mall; go figure.

Your take on bullfighting?

After more than six years in Spain, I’ve got to say that I am not for bullfighting, and you won’t see me running with the bulls or in the ring.

What about you? Where do you stand on this controversial “sport”? Share with us in the comments section.

Also in our guide: If you’re preparing for a trip to Madrid any time soon, be sure to charge over to our guide to budget travel in Madrid. We have advice and tips for visiting Madrid without spending to much on hotels, food and sightseeing.

The post Bullfighting In Madrid: Tradition or terror? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Take home prize for bullies-

The violent dance between man and bull has been a custom since prehistoric times, when its beginnings were linked to bull worship and sacrifice. Spain put their footprint on the sport in 1726. Francisco Romero was the first matador (torero) to publicly fight a bull (toro) without riding an animal for assistance. Soon, fancy equestrians were replaced by commoners on foot.

The easiest and safest way to be a bullfighter, without exactly throwing yourself into the ring, is to purchase a personalized bullfighting poster, touting your own name. Stroll up and down Tetuan and Sierpes Streets for a picturesque walk, and to track down posters and flamenco trinkets. Look for the words, Tu Nombre Aqui, on sample posters and put ‘Your Name Here.’ Prices start at €7.

If it’s a real fight you’re after, check out Plaza de Toros’ web site for bullfight schedules.

While you’re at it…

Grab anything with a bull and go. Napkins, beer coasters, pamphlets, ticket stubs. Little items that seem trivial while on the road take on a whole new meaning miles from the bullring. Ole!

The post Seville cheap souvenir: Bullfighting poster appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.