Matadors and Bull Fighting

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most fighting bulls weigh between 1000 and 1200 pounds.

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

The terceo de varas or terceo de picadores.

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.

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.

Most larger towns in both Spain and Mexico have bullrings.

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.

Yes, traditional music is played by a band during the bullfight. The music adds to the excitement of the event, much as band music at some sporting events does. It is also played to recognize a good performance by the matador. Certain blasts of a trumpet also are used as a signal to the men in the ring that it is time to change terceos (acts) or to warn a matador he is exceeding his time limit to kill the bull.

The red cape is called a muleta.

Toreador is French and related to the Spanish word torero. Torero includes anyone who fights bulls including banderilleros and picadores and matadores. Only the matador kills the bull. The word toreador is never used in Spain or Mexico. It is only used in France.