“Nobody ever lives their life all the way up except bullfighters.”

 

“Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter's honor.”

– Ernest Hemingway

This quote, attributed to Ernest Hemingway, highlights the inherent danger and artistry that Hemingway associated with bullfighting, elevating it to a level beyond typical sporting activities.  Another quote, attributed to Marlene Dietrich, emphasizes the combination of courage and grace in the bullring:

"Courage and grace is a formidable mixture. The only place to see it is the bullring."

A few days ago, our Seville AirBnb host casually mentioned that the city’s famous bull fighting ring was located “just across the street, about five minutes walk from the apartment”.  The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is a 12,000-capacity bullring in Seville. During the annual Seville Fair in Seville, it is the site of one of the most well-known bullfighting festivals in the world!

 And, it’s as close to home as the neighborhood grocery store or gas station, except that it’s… a famous Bull Fighting Ring!

Such is the nature of the bull fighting tradition in Spain.

Bullfighting in Spain, known as corrida de toros, is a traditional spectacle involving a matador (bullfighter) and a bull, typically lasting around two hours. The event is highly ritualized, with the bullfight divided into three distinct stages, each marked by the sound of a bugle. While a cherished Spanish tradition for many, it is also a subject of controversy for others due to animal welfare concerns.

A traditional corrida involves six bulls (two for each of the three matadors). Each bullfight is broken into three stages represented by three different roles:

1.       Picadores: Lancers on horseback weaken the bull with lances.

2.       Banderilleros: Flagmen who place barbed darts (banderillas) into the bull's shoulders.

3.       The Matador: The final stage where the matador confronts the weakened bull with a cape and sword, ultimately attempting to kill it.

Bulls used in corridas are specially bred and must meet specific age and weight requirements (at least four years old, and a minimum of 460 kg). A bull may be spared (“indultado”) if it demonstrates exceptional bravery and fighting prowess.

Bullfighting is important in Spain due to its deep-rooted cultural and historical significance, representing tradition, artistry, and even a symbol of national identity. While controversial, it remains a popular spectacle and an economic contributor in some regions.

From the standpoint of cultural significance bullfighting is a deeply rooted tradition that has been a part of Spanish culture for centuries, with historical ties to ancient Roman gladiatorial contests and later, Moorish influences.

Additionally, many view bullfighting as artistic expression and theatrical performance, a dramatic interplay between man and animal, where the matador's skill and courage are on display.   The bull itself is a powerful symbol in Spanish culture, representing strength, virility, and even the nation itself.

Bullfights are even often integrated into festivities honoring local patron saints, further embedding them in the social fabric of communities.

Unfortunately the bull fighting season will be finished by the time we arrive, but I’m sure that we’ll find some time to stop by the arena for a tour and another cultural experience.