Corrida de Toros

(not for animal lovers or weak stomachs)

Today was the Corrida de Toros (bull fight). It was the second-to-last bull fight of the season, so a bunch of people from my program decided to go. Although I somewhat knew what I was getting myself into, I was still not prepared for what I saw.

The first game was one in which the matadors would taunt the bull, and when it came close, they would hide behind a small wood wall in order to confuse it. After that, a man came out on horseback and used a long spear to stab the bull in the back and fix a ribbon into its skin. The next part was where the matadors got very close to the bull and stuck stick-like things into its back and continued to draw it to their capes.

At this point, the bull was bleeding profusely and was obviously confused and exhausted. This was went the Torero, or main matador took over for the others. He got out a red cape (before they were using pink ones) and drew the bull very close to him. Once he was able, he delivered an almost-fatal blow to the back of the bull with a sword, which caused him to wander and fall to the ground. After he was down, another matador delivered the fatal blow to the bull's spinal cord with a small knife. Once the bull was dead, three horses dragged it out of the arena.

I'm sorry to be so graphic, but I wanted to portray the bull fight as accurately as I could. Although I left after the first round (there are 6), I do not regret the experience. I think it was something I needed to experience and see for myself.

When we got back to the house, I asked the middle son what he thought about bull fighting and what the people in Madrid think of it. To him, he didn't care. He said the bull lives a happy life until it dies in the fight, but the way animals are killed for food is worse because they are treated much worse during their time alive. He also mentioned that there is a big movement against this sport, which I have heard as well.

To me, it was interesting to see this side of the culture. (Although, I do think it is a fading tradition as the stadium was almost empty except for one section.) Many people say the bull fight is a representation of life, and they see a deeper meaning in the practice. To me, it was hard to find. I think it's another thing that stems from our culture.

I had a hard time not looking at the bull and thinking about what he might be feeling both physically and mentally. I think it's something that's common in the United States, to think of the feelings of the animal. We tend to have more concern for the well being of animals and what they might be "feeling." This is obvious just looking at our pets.

Although I couldn't quite stomach La Corrida de Toros, I do not regret the experience. If anything, it's something I can check off my list, but I also think it's something I can learn from.