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Matadors and Bull Fighting

Bull fighting is a popular extreme sport practiced in Spain, and has also been brought over to Mexico by the Spanish conquistadors that came to the Americas in the late 15th century. It is a blood-sport strongly opposed by animal rights groups that pits man (the Matador) against beast (the bull that is bred to fight) and always results in a fight to the death. Questions about Matadors, bull fighting and fighting bulls can be asked and answered here.

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How many bulls die at one bullfight?

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In a standard bullfight there are three matadors and each kills 2 bulls. That is a total of six bulls. At times, however, there will be only two matadors and each will kill 3 bulls. This is called mano a mano. Even more rare, a particularly popular matador may fight 6 bulls alone. In any case, six bulls are the standard. Some smaller venues with less resources may have fewer animals and fighters.

Does a bull fight?

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There have been several female Toreras: Conchita Cintron, Juanita Cruz ( almost a Welch-Lollobrigida type) and Cristina Sanchez. There was even an American girl who took up the Cape and sword- Patricia Mccormick. Miss Mccormick had several accidents in the field- and eventually pulled out. So there have been female bullfighters in modern times.

Why is the running of the bulls important to these people in Pamplona?

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Bullfighting is as old as civilization itself. The first detailed description can be found in the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, dating from 2100 BC, so over 4,000 years old. It turns out that bullfighting happened in almost exactly the same way then as now.

Spanish bullfighting is a tradition that goes back to at least 200 BC (so for over 2,200 years back) so it's really a part of their cultural heritage. It must be said that today, bullfighting has in many regions either been banned or turned into a less brutal spectacle that won't offend today's finer feelings. Spanish aficionados regard it as a 'noble' sport, an ultimate test of the animal's and the bullfighter's grit. The exact 'why' has gone down in the mists of time but the spectacle of men of warrior age showing their valor and strength against man or beast is as old as all history. In that same vein, the USA has its rodeo shows although there it's mostly the men who risk life and limb.

What do you need for bullfighting?

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To train for bullfights, fighters go to schools to learn everything they need to know. They also practice by getting into the ring with bulls.

What is the name for a matador trophy?

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Oreja - ear
Rabo - tail
These may be awarded to the matador for a superior performance. One ear, two ears, two ears and tail. In rare cases, a hoof may be awarded.

Who is a matador aide?

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The matador is the torero (bullfighter) who kills the bull.

How do fighting bulls get trained?

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Fighting bulls are not trained. They are descendants of the ancient wild cattle that roamed the Iberian peninsula centuries ago. They are not domesticated. Comparing a fighting bull to a domestic bull is like comparing a wolf to a domestic dog. Their behavior and ferocity are natural instincts, not learned.

How long does it take to become matador?

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Once the matador begins his passes with the muleta he has 15 minutes to make the kill. A warning trumpet is sounded after 10 minutes. If the bull is still alive after three more minutes a second trumpet is sounded. After two more minutes the final trumpet is sounded and the bull must then be return to the corral to be killed there. It is a great dishonor to the matador who has failed to do his job.

What is the average length of a bullfight?

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It can take many years and a considerable amount of money to become a matador. Most start in their teens or even earlier. They begin as a becerista - one who fights calves. At this stage the person may actually have to pay to fight. Once they improve they become a novillero - one who fights bulls that are not yet the full four years of age required for a matador. As he gains experience and a following he may take the alternativa or graduation to the rank of full matador de toros under the sponsorship of a veteran matador. Then he is eligible to compete with other full matadors in major bullrings if he can get the contracts. At this stage, some find that they are unable to find much work and may renounce their alternativa and return to the rank as novillero where they may find more work but less money.

Where is bullfighting popular?

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There are may people in the United States who attend bullfights in Mexico or Spain but there are no true bullfights in this country. Bulls may not be injured or killed.

When was bullfighting founded?

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Oringinally it was the Romans then spread to England and Spain.

It is believed that a form of bullfighting was introduced to Spain during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius nearly 2000 years ago. Over the centuries the practice evolved into what we know today. When the Spanish conquered and colonized an area they introduced the spectacle, especially in parts of the Americas.

What city in Spain banned bullfighting?

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Bull fighting in its modern form has been around for about 300 years. However, forms of bullfighting have been around almost since the dawn of mankind.

The bullfight as we know it today developed back in the 1700s in Spain but some form of bullfighting has been around since ancient times. Roman Emperor Claudius is thought to have introduced a form of bullfighting to Spain in the first century when gladiator fights were outlawed. In about 1726 Francisco Romero became the first to popularize fighting the bull on foot and is considered the first 'modern' matador.

What is the most expensive ticket at a bull fight?

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There is no fixed answer as the price of tickets varies with the venue. In large cities in Spain and Mexico the price for tickets will be greater than in small towns, especially if major figuras are on the cartel. Prices also vary with location in the bullring. Seats on the shady side are more costly than on the sunny side. Front row seats (barrera) are more costly than seats far up in the stands in the general admission section. Prices could vary from a few dollars to a hundred or more for prime seats in major venues.

What is the name of the small red cape the matador uses?

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A matador's outfit, called Traje de luces, is the traditional clothing that Spanish bullfighters (toreros, picadors and rejoneadors) wear in the bullring. The term originates from the sequins and reflective threads of gold or silver. These trajes are based on the flamboyant costumes of the 18th century dandies and showmen involved intauromachia, which later became exclusive to the bullfighting ritual. Later adornments include the montera hat, elaborate embroidery and decorative accessories.

What happens if the bull in bullfighting doesn't die?

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The only way a bull can win is if it fights a very brave fight and is pardoned - given an indulto - by the presiding official, usually at the urging of the fans in attendance. In such a case the animal is usually treated by veterinarians and returned to the bull rancher to be used as a seed bull. This is a rare occurrence, however. Should a bull kill or severely injure a matador, it is killed by the remaining senior matador with no fanfare. The bull is almost always the loser. The reason for this is that a fighting bull, by law, can not be used in a future fight. To do so would be very dangerous for the man as the bull learned in the previous fight to distinguish the matador from the cape.

Where is the 'running of the bulls' held each year?

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Usually in Mexico or Spain, bullfights are held in an outdoor arena. Like a Rodeo

Another Answer:

Bullfights are held in a plaza de toros - a bullring - especially constructed for the events. Bullfights are held in Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico and some South American countries.

When did they start bullfighting?

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Asked by Wiki User

Bull fighting in its modern form has been around for about 300 years. However, forms of bullfighting have been around almost since the dawn of mankind.

The bullfight as we know it today developed back in the 1700s in Spain but some form of bullfighting has been around since ancient times. Roman Emperor Claudius is thought to have introduced a form of bullfighting to Spain in the first century when gladiator fights were outlawed. In about 1726 Francisco Romero became the first to popularize fighting the bull on foot and is considered the first 'modern' matador.

What is the weight of a fighting bull?

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Most fighting bulls weigh between 1000 and 1200 pounds.

What is it like to be a spectator at a bullfight?

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some look at it as tradition, and apart of their culture. others, usually foreigners to the "sport", believe it's animal cruelty.

What are the names of the three stages in a bullfight?

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The terceo de varas or terceo de picadores.

What countries do people bullfight in?

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Bullfighting is held in many towns throughout Spain, Mexcio, Portugal, France and in several Central and South American countries. In most other countries bullfights are illegal.

Does bull fighting occur everywhere in Spain?

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Bull fighting did not begin in Spain. It has it's beginning with Bull Worship and Bull Sacrifice in Prehistory. It evolved over time until it was made a popular spectacle in Moorish Spain.

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In Addition:

The bullfight as we know it today developed back in the 1700s in Spain but some form of bullfighting has been around since ancient times. Roman Emperor Claudius is thought to have introduced a form of bullfighting to Spain in the first century when gladiator fights were outlawed. In about 1726 Francisco Romero became the first to popularize fighting the bull on foot and is considered the first 'modern' matador.

Why do matadors wear such tight clothes?

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It is called a traje de luces (suit of lights). These trajes are based on the flamboyant costumes of the 18th century dandies and showmen involved in bullfighting, which later became exclusive to the bullfighting ritual. Later adornments include the montera hat, elaborate embroidery and decorative accessories.

What country has a bullfight arenas in almost every city?

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Most larger towns in both Spain and Mexico have bullrings.

Are Spanish fighting bulls predator or prey?

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Fighting bulls are herbivores and not predatory animals so would be considered as prey. However, there are generally few, if any, predators in the areas where fighting bulls are raised.