Bullfighting is a national treasure of Spain, originating in 1761. Its enduring popularity captivates audiences not only due to the high level of skill required but also because it represents the national spirit of Spain. The bullfighting season begins on March 19 with the "Valencia Fire Festival" and ends on October 12 with the "Pilar Festival in Zaragoza," typically held on Sundays and holidays. July and August are the prime months for enjoying bullfighting performances, and immigrants to Spain can enter during this period to watch. The bulls used in bullfighting weigh between 370-500 kilograms and are raised in environments with minimal human contact, generally taking 4-6 years to mature. Each bullfight involves six bulls, with each bull taking about 20 minutes to fight. The entire process is thrilling, as the matador must use his intelligence and courage to overcome the enraged bull provoked by the red cloth! Among the bullfighting events in Spain, the Running of the Bulls festival held in Pamplona is a highlight. This event began in 1850 and takes place annually from July 6 to July 14. Each morning, herds of bulls are released from pens, while thousands of young men and tourists dressed in traditional Pamplona attire risk being trampled as they run desperately in front of the bulls for a distance of one kilometer, stopping only at the bullring. In the afternoon, the bulls that ran through the streets in the morning will face off against brave matadors once again.
Bullfighting has specific rules, which are overseen by a president at the event, typically a respected local figure. In addition to rules such as allowing a second attempt if the banderillero fails to place the banderillas, if the picador is thrown off by the bull, a substitute picador may come in to make another attempt, or the original picador may remount to try again. The main matador has a time and number limit for killing the bull; if it exceeds approximately twenty-five minutes or if the matador fails to kill the bull after three attempts, the president will inform the matador to cease the killing. Unfortunately, the bull will then be taken back to the pen and killed by others. However, in some places, if this occurs, the bull may be considered a sacred bull and not killed, instead being buried after it dies of old age, and its meat cannot be consumed. The attire and rank of the matador are also significant.
Currently, the attire of the matador is inherited from the 16th-century bullfighters. The main matador typically wears a dazzling red outfit, which is said to excite the audience. Additionally, the attire features bright silver or gold embellishments, making it visually striking, especially in sunlight. Matadors are classified into novice and professional categories. According to regulations, novice matadors may only fight bulls under three years old, typically weighing two to three hundred kilograms, while only professional matadors may fight bulls weighing around five hundred kilograms. There are also female matadors and young matadors; Spain had female matadors until the 1930s, when they were banned, but in the last decade, they have begun to make a comeback, with some famous female matadors reportedly having killed over eighty bulls. Additionally, the renowned matador Juli has been very successful, having killed over a hundred bulls (as of the end of 2000). The headgear of the matador is a decorative piece worn only by the main matador, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century when people commonly wore their hair in a bun. Over time, this tradition became a symbol of the main matador's status, and although people now typically have short hair, a symbolic black bun remains on their head.
The tools and weapons used in bullfighting have evolved over time. Initially, the fights were conducted with long spears while mounted on horseback, but as the sport developed, it became more dangerous and visually appealing with the introduction of hand-held short swords. A complete set of tools now includes: a lance, six banderillas, four different types of swords, and a dagger. The four different swords are used by the main matador according to the specific needs and phases of the fight. For instance, during the baiting phase, the matador uses a straight sword to support the red cloth in a fan shape. During the killing phase, a curved sword is used, which is advantageous for thrusting towards the heart. Additionally, there is a backup sword and a cross-headed sword used for the final thrust to the central nervous system. Two other very important tools are the cape and the red cloth. The cape is held by three assistants, one side being pink and the other yellow, serving as a baiting tool. The red cloth can only be held by the main matador, with one side being red and the other yellow, matching the colors of the Spanish flag. These colors are also the two most beloved by the Spanish people, and there is a saying that the red is meant to anger the bull, while the yellow can temporarily calm it.
