What is the name of a person who trains bulls? Bullfight! the most heartbreaking Spanish spectacle. Components of a bullfighter's costume and weapons

Bullfighting in Spain is dangerous sport, exciting the blood; a graceful art comparable to ballet; centuries-old traditions and the embodiment of the Spanish character, passionate and expressive.

Originating in ancient times, bullfighting has always been associated with confrontation. Initially, man challenged the dangerous animal and nature itself. During the heyday of the Spanish Empire, attending bullfights became a luxury that only kings and court nobility could afford. Poets, writers and artists of various eras had mixed feelings about this hobby. Garcia Lorca called bullfighting “a true drama,” and the Spanish artist Goya created a whole series of works with scenes of bullfighting and even depicted himself as a bullfighter.

Some admire this exciting spectacle, others condemn it. But definitely, bullfighting is worth seeing at least once in your life!

Where does bullfighting take place in Spain?

Arenas (plaza de toros) are divided into three categories. The highest are the largest arenas of Madrid, Pamplona, ​​Seville, Valencia, Cordoba and Malaga. The second category includes the arenas of the main cities of the Spanish provinces. Among them, for example, is the bullring in Alicante. The third category is small arenas in coastal towns such as Benidorm or Benalmadena (in the south of the country).

In the “orange capital”, finding a bullring is not difficult - it is located next to the northern railway station and almost in the very center of the city. Bullfighting has been held there for more than a century and a half.

Bullfighting in Valencia will not only give you pleasure, you will feel that you are in Ancient Rome. The Valencian Arena is shaped like the Colosseum, where the Gladiator fights: a large audience was seated in a circle, and the action itself took place in the center on the sand.

You should go to the most grandiose bullfights in Valencia in March, during the celebration of Las Fallas. The program promises to be intense. Tickets are on sale now, but due to high demand, early booking is recommended. Our service center specialists will help you purchase tickets to the bullfight in advance.

Buy a ticket to the bullfight

When you look at the price list for bullfighting, you may be surprised at the range of prices - from 10 to 100-200 euros. The Spaniards themselves, when buying tickets to a bullfight, first of all pay attention to who will perform. The more famous the bullfighter, the more expensive the “performance”.

Also, the price depends on where you sit. However, the principle “the closer, the better and more expensive” does not apply here. Typically bullfighting in Spain starts at 5 pm and one side of the arena has sun and the other does not. Privileged places are in the shade, they are called “sombra” (shadow). Cheaper tickets are classified as “sol” (sun). Where to sit is up to you, but it so happens that in the sun the public is more active and cheerful.

Where to buy bullfight tickets

Do you want to visit a bullfight while traveling? There is no point in delaying purchasing tickets until you arrive at your intended vacation spot. Thanks to the development of technology and the Internet, you can plan your trip to the bullfight in advance and reserve seats without leaving your home. The most reliable way to purchase tickets is through the official websites of the arenas where the fights take place or on the official websites of distributors, for example: bullfightticketsmadrid.com, tengoentradas.com, taquillaoficial.com. It is important to know that sometimes instead of a ticket, the buyer is sent a barcode, according to which he must receive a ticket directly at the box office at the venue of the bullfight.

Bullfighting schedule in Spain 2018

Attention! Arenas may change event dates, so please check this site for the correct date before purchasing tickets.

Bullfighting in Barcelona

Barcelona also boasts a beautiful architectural structure, the Monumental Arena, which opened in 1914 and was the last bullfight in Catalonia. Another defunct bullring in Barcelona, ​​opened in 1900 and built in the Neo-Mudéjar style, graces the Plaza de España. Tourists come there not to watch a fight to the death, but to empty their wallets. The arena was converted into a shopping center after the official abolition of bullfighting in Catalonia in 2012.

The reason for this decision was numerous discontent from both local residents and animal rights activists. The last bullfight at the Monumental was sold out on September 25, 2011. And even the fourfold markup on tickets didn’t bother anyone. Catalonia became the second region after the Canary Islands to ban bullfighting.

It is worth noting that, according to a recent decision of the Spanish Constitutional Court, holding bullfights in Catalonia is again possible. However, such an event will apparently not happen soon, since the current owner of the Monumental arena does not yet plan to use the building for its intended purpose.

Bullfighting in numbers

• In 1775, the first round bullring (plaza de toros) was built in the southern Spanish city of Ronda. Fights are still taking place there. Ticket prices range from 30 to 100 euros.
• Enrique Ponce is the richest bullfighter (according to People with money magazine), his fortune is estimated at $58 million. A ticket for his performance in Valencia costs from 40 to 100 euros.
• In 1958, four-meter figures of bulls appeared on Spanish highways, advertising Osborne brandy. And in 1994, the Spanish Congress of Deputies passed a law recognizing these bulls as “a cultural and artistic element of the Spanish landscape.”

Bullfighting or bullfighting is one of the symbols of Spain. This bull show has a large number of fans. In Madrid, the Spanish capital, bullfighting has been held since 1931, and the first bullfights were held in 1591. And its history itself begins in the Bronze Age. Boys from the lower classes were chosen as matadors, bullfighting participants, and learned this craft from the age of ten. A fight between a bullfighter and a bull is a very exciting and dangerous spectacle.

Toreador fight with a bull

The rules of bullfighting were established in the 18th century. They controlled the process of preparing bulls and raising them, the training of young bullfighters and the course of fights in the arena. Then it turned into an elegant martial arts with death between bullfighters and bulls. After all, the task of a matador is to ensure that at the end of the battle destroy your opponent. They fight for their lives to the last, and it often happens that the animal wins, and the bullfighter says goodbye to life.

Fighting animals are raised on special farms. Bullfighting involves animals that have reached four years. A Spanish bull must weigh at least 450 kilograms. These cattle are raised in Spain. They are isolated from people and see them for the first time in the arena. Before entering into battle, the animal undergoes a test: only those who show audacity in the fight, a good reaction and who move luxuriously are released into the arena. Some who have performed well in the arena may be pardoned by the public.

Gallery: bullfighting in Spain (25 photos)

Bloody battles

Risking his life, the bullfighter must show the viewer an elegant and fearless performance. A matador must be graceful. It is not for nothing that its movement is often associated with ballet. And his clothes, like those of an artist, are made of silk, covered in sequins and embroidered with gold and silver.

The crowd also loves fights in “narrow contact”, when the animal is centimeters from the bullfighter.

Bullfighting is a kind of show, which begins with the appearance of the manager, who is accompanied by music and is in a separate box. Two policemen ride in front of the procession, followed by matadors, and at the end there are mule drivers who carry away the slaughtered cattle.

The fight often starts at five o'clock in the evening. It all starts with a procession of participants, it has its own order :

• The bullfighters are in the front row. On the left are very experienced ones, on the right are less experienced ones, in the center is a beginner bullfighter;
• in the second row are the matador's assistants;
• the third and fourth rows are assistants to both intermediate and beginner bullfighters;
• the fifth, sixth and seventh rows are occupied by picadors;
• at the end are the arena workers.

And the bullfight itself consists of three parts:

The fight can take place without a person. It begins with the animals being led into makeshift arenas by ropes. Place them with their foreheads facing each other. This angers the animals and the bulls fight. As a rule, this spectacle does not last long.

It begins when the bulls are brought into the city from the farms. Spanish fighting bulls run through the city streets to the arena. This entertainment comes from ancient times; without it, not a single holiday in the city began. At the same time, every local resident can feel like a matador. Before such a race, the streets are fenced off so that animals do not destroy various buildings and houses.

People who take part in the race may not complete the entire distance if they feel that they are weakened or that their lives are in danger danger, they may step aside. The Spanish authorities do not recommend that tourists participate; this is entertainment for hot-blooded Spaniards. Ernest Hemingway described these races in his works, which gave them worldwide fame.

Ban on bullfighting

Bullfighting is already prohibited in many countries. In Spain, fights are not held in the Canary Islands and Barcelona. Many activists who defend animal rights, oppose such entertainment and consider it real barbarity.

But there are also those who cannot imagine Spain and their life without bullfighting. They say that animals die with pride, and in some cases the public can let them live, that spectators come not to watch the death of cattle, but to see the courage and skill of the matador.

Bullfighting also exists outside of Spain. In countries such as: France, Latin America, Portugal.

Attention, TODAY only!

Bullfighting in Spain: rules of bullfighting, features and history of Spanish bullfighting.

• Last minute tours to Spain

Previous photo Next photo

Bullfighting in Spain is not just a festive spectacle, it is a real art that has become a cultural symbol of the country.

In Spain, bullfighting is no longer held in the Canary Islands (although cockfighting, which is part of the local tradition, continues there) and in Barcelona.

Rules of bullfighting

Bullfighting is not just a fight, as it might seem at first glance, it is a whole performance, a fascinating action that has its own rules and rituals. The process is led by the President or Chairman, whose role is usually the Mayor of the city; he gives the signal for the start of each action, decides when the bull and picador will appear on the stage and rewards the matadors.

The bullfight begins at five in the evening, but before that representatives of the matadors, dressed in black 18th-century suits and hats with colored tassels, inspect the bulls and here, using a draw, decide which animal their player will compete with. The bullfight begins with a procession of participants in a certain sequence: matadors, officials on horses, subordinates and picadors, also performing on horses. Then the most interesting part begins: at this time the bull is released from the pen, which is first met by assistants with cloaks, and then by the matador himself with a large cloak of bright pink on one side and yellow on the other. He makes several approaches, confusing the bull, and leaves the arena. A toreador and a picador on horseback get to work.

There are thousands of farms in Spain where special bulls are raised for bullfighting. They are all special aggressive breeds, easily irritated and ready to attack.

The fight, called “bondage,” does not last long, but during this time several spears are pierced into the animal’s back, not to kill the animal, but only to tease it, keeping the bull within the inner circle. And finally, the climax of the game, when only the bull and the matador remain in the arena. The moment the bull comes as close as possible to the matador and looks into his eyes, he kills the animal with his sword. This is the most solemn moment of bullfighting, for which both the audience and the orchestra are ready. The death of the matador's bull is dedicated to the chairman of the bullfight, approaching whom he reads a dedication speech and throws his hat over his shoulder. It is considered a good omen if the hat falls bottom down.

Bullfighting in Spain

There are thousands of farms in Spain where special bulls are raised for bullfighting. They are all special aggressive breeds, easily irritated and ready to attack. Bulls with quick reactions, dexterity and strength are especially valued. It was not uncommon for a beautiful, powerful bull to be left alive during a bullfight.

History of bullfighting

Bullfighting was never a Spanish invention, its roots go back to the traditions of the Iberian Peninsula and rituals Ancient Greece. The bull has always been a symbol of power, some peoples worshiped its fury, revering it as a sacred animal, others held ritual games, fighting for the right to be called the strongest.

Modern bullfighting appeared in the 18th century thanks to the legendary Spanish bullfighter Francisco Romero, who first fought a bull on the ground. Previously, only representatives of the upper class- knights and caballeros on horseback. At a fast pace Bullfighting gained popularity throughout Spain, becoming a cultural feature and an integral part of Spanish life. The “golden age” of Spanish bullfighting is considered to be the beginning of the 20th century, during which time the best bullfighters performed in the squares: Juan Belmonte, who became the father of the bullfighting style, Rafael Gonzalez and Jose Gomez.

At the end of the 20th century, the first movements for the abolition of bullfighting appeared. And now passions are raging in Spain due to protests from animal rights activists and environmentalists calling for the abandonment of one of the country’s oldest traditions.

CORRIDAS
(bullfighting, bullfighting, tauromachy), a public spectacle during which a fighter (torero or matador) teases the bull with a red banner (muleta), performing a series of skillful movements, and at the end of the bullfight, as a rule, kills the bull with a sword. The origins of bullfighting go back to ancient times: apparently, it was associated with agricultural rituals designed to increase fertility. Bullfighting was brought to Spain by the Moors, who dominated the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to the 15th centuries. However, bullfighting in its modern form arose in the mid-1720s, when the Spanish bullfighter Francisco Romero invented the muleta - a piece of cloth attached to a stick. Until the 18th century The bullfight took place differently: riders, representatives of the nobility, killed the bull with spears. In Spain, bullfighting has become a favorite national pastime. This custom has also spread to Portugal and several Latin American countries.
BULL FIGHTING ROUTINE
In a bullfight, three matadors take turns, each of whom kills two bulls. On rare occasions, one matador kills all six bulls. Sometimes competitions are held between two matadors - the so-called. mano a mano (hand to hand), when each is confronted by three bulls. The matador is assigned a cuadrilla - a team of assistants consisting of two picadors and three banderilleros. Their task is to prepare the bull for the decisive fight with the matador.
Parade. The bullfight begins with the appearance of the president, the manager of the bullfight, in a box specially designated for him and with a colorful parade of participants (paseo de cuadrillas) accompanied by music. The procession is led by two mounted alguacils (policemen), representing the president of the bullfight. They are followed by matadors with their cuadrillas, and at the end of the procession are drivers on mules, who, after each fight, take the killed bull out of the arena. The further scenario of the bullfight is divided into three acts, or tercio (lit. “third”).
First tercio. At a sign from the president, the gates open and the bull runs out into the arena. The matador and his banderillero watch the bull from behind the barrier, studying its temperament. The senior banderillero then begins to tease the bull with a large yellow cape (capote de brega), running away and dodging the animal (brega). After a couple of minutes, the matador calls off the banderillero, takes the cloak himself and performs a series of elegant and complex manipulations (veronicas) in order to assert his superiority over the bull. A new order from the president follows, and two picadors appear in the arena - horsemen armed with long spears. Horses are protected from bull horns by thick matting. The task of the picadors is to make the bull run slower, lower its head, and most importantly, show the matador the temperament and habits of the bull. The picador takes a position close to the wooden barrier enclosing the arena and waits for the attack of the bull, which the matador lures towards the rider. When the bull charges at the horse, the picador plunges his spear into the animal's neck muscles. In accordance with the regulations, the brave bull must be pricked at least three times. It happens that a bull knocks over a horse and rider. When the president decides that the bull is in the right condition, it is the turn of the second tercio.
Second tercio. The picadors leave the arena, and the banderilleros (less often, the matador himself) get down to business. Their task is to stick from one to four pairs of banderillas - jagged sticks - into the bull's shoulder blades. Light pain brings the bull out of the state of apathy and depression after being pierced by a spear. At the same time, the matador assesses the bull’s readiness for a fight, and if the latter shows cowardice, then, at the request of the bullfighter, the president can replace the bull. Trumpets herald the beginning of the third tercio.
Third tercio. It is also denoted by the word faena (lit. "work"). This involves a single performance by a matador who, using a muleta, must play a skillful game with a bull and then kill it with a sword (estoke). The bullfighter greets the president and asks permission to kill the bull. According to regulations, the matador will dedicate the first bull to the president, and the subsequent ones to whomever he pleases, including the spectators. The basis of faena is a set of traditional techniques. One of them, called derechaso, consists of the matador with a muleta in his right hand letting the bull pass him and stopping him with a remate (literally “finishing”) - a skillful movement of the muleta. The natural technique performed with the left hand is much more dangerous, since the bullfighter holds the sword in the right and cannot straighten the fabric of the muleta to increase the distance between his body and the bull's horns. There are many other techniques for working with a muleta. With a series of teasing passes, the bullfighter seems to lead the bull around himself, letting him get closer and closer, and this game ends with the pass de pecho technique, when the matador guides the bull at a safe distance from his chest, thereby giving the audience and himself a break. Brave bullfighter working in classic style, meets the bull standing right in front of him, but more often the matadors try to stand on the side of the animal. Some matadors end the faena with a spectacular desplante (literally, “daring trick”): they stand, sometimes on their knees, right in front of the bull, grab it by the horns, and sometimes kiss it on the face. Professional connoisseurs of bullfighting consider desplante a vulgar technique for the needs of the public, since the bull is already exhausted, and besides, his wide-set eyes do not allow him to clearly distinguish a bullfighter standing closely. The matador instinctively guesses the moment when it is time to use the sword. The most dangerous moment of the bullfight is coming. Using a muleta, the bullfighter puts the bull in a calm position with his legs together. Matador with a muleta in his left hand right hand raises the sword high and makes a lightning lunge, while simultaneously performing a natural to force the bull to lower his head. The sword is aimed at the spot between the bull's shoulder blades. Sticking his sword in, the bullfighter immediately moves his body to the left to dodge the bull's horns. In a fair fight, the finishing blow requires considerable skill and great courage. However, a number of fraudulent techniques have been developed that allow bullfighters to protect themselves. A precisely aimed blow from the sword cuts the aorta, causing almost instant death. Very often the sword sticks into a bone or hits chest or light. In this case, a descabello is needed, a special sword that is thrust into the back of the bull's neck to cause quick death. The final blow is delivered with a dagger (puntilla), cutting cervical vertebra. If the matador has done his job brilliantly, the spectators wave their handkerchiefs and ask the president to present the bullfighter with a bull's ear as a reward, or in exceptional cases, both. Meanwhile, the matador makes a triumphant tour of the arena, accompanied by his banderilleros (Vuelta). Depending on the audience's reaction, he may perform several vueltas, showered with gifts from enthusiastic spectators who throw hats, flowers, shoes, wineskins and roosters into the arena. An exceptionally brave bull will also receive its share of honors - its carcass will be dragged around the arena before being put out of sight. If the job is unsuccessful, the matador will receive, at best, icy silence, and at worst, whistles and insulting shouts.
Matadors. The preparation of a future matador begins under the guidance of an experienced master from the age of 10-12. A novice matador (besserista) practices on two-year-old bulls; Having gained some experience, he moves to the rank of matador de noviglio, working with three-year-old bulls. The highest title, matador de toros, is assigned already at the bullfight, when the senior matador instructs the student to kill the first bull. From now on, the newly minted bullfighter works only with bulls at least four years old and weighing at least 450 kg. Accidents at bullfights are common, and even the most experienced matadors are not immune from them. The brilliant bullfighter Juan Belmonte (1892-1962) is said to have been wounded 25 times. Thanks to the progress of modern medicine, deaths are quite rare, on average a couple of times a year. Two of the most famous matadors died in the arena - José Gomez Ortega, nicknamed Joselito (1895-1920) and the magnificent Manolete (Manuel Rodriguez, 1917-1947). An invariable decoration of bullfighting is the matador’s ceremonial attire, the so-called. trache de luces (lit. "luminous suit"), consisting of a silk vest with long sleeves and tight-fitting breeches. Each piece of the costume has its own color and is richly embroidered with gold and silver.
Bulls. The breed of fighting bulls (toro de ligya) has been cultivated in Spain since the 17th century. This powerful and beautiful animal is raised on vast, isolated ranches and is virtually never seen by humans until it enters the arena. The pedigrees of fighting bulls are carefully monitored to improve the breed.
The current state of bullfighting. In the second half of the 20th century. Bullfighting has become more popular than ever. Bullfights are held in small villages, where carts enclose a temporary arena, and in magnificent arenas such as Plaza Mexico in the Mexican capital with a capacity of 50 thousand spectators or La Venta in Madrid with a capacity of 23 thousand people. Bullfighting is also popular in Portugal, although it differs from Spanish bullfighting in that a bull is never killed in the arena. In Portugal, the so-called Rejoneo, when the game with the bull is played only by riders on specially trained horses. Bullfighting is common in a number of Latin American countries - Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, Panama and especially Peru.
LITERATURE
Hemingway E. Death in the Afternoon. M., 1934 Blasco Ibañez V. Blood and Sand. M., 1976 Hemingway E. And the sun rises. - In the book: Hemingway E. Collected Works, vol. 1. M., 1981 Hemingway E. Dangerous Summer. - In the book: Hemingway E. Collected Works, vol. 4. M., 1982

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

See what "CORRIDA" is in other dictionaries:

The most common form of bullfighting, a traditional Spanish spectacle, also practiced in some other countries, particularly in South America. The word corrida itself is derived from the verb correr, the main meaning of which is “to run” ... Wikipedia

Bullfight- Bullfight, Spain. CORRIDA (Spanish corrida de toros, literally running of the bulls), bullfight, from the beginning of the 18th century. a traditional circus show in Spain, Portugal, Southern France, and Latin American countries. The main role is played by the bullfighter (espada, matador and... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Wow!, spectacle, great, bullfight, fight Dictionary of Russian synonyms. bullfight see bullfight Dictionary of synonyms of the Russian language. Practical guide. M.: Russian language. Z. E. Alexandrova. 2011… Synonym dictionary

bullfight- CORRIDAS, int. Expresses extreme surprise. They give you vodka in the store! bullfight! Where are the coupons? ... Dictionary of Russian argot

bullfight- in Mexico. The ceremonial exit of the participants. bullfight (Spanish corrida de toros, literally running of the bulls), bullfight, national Spanish spectacle. From the 16th century became widespread in Latin Acerique, especially popular in Mexico (the first battle... ... Encyclopedic reference book "Latin America"

- (Spanish corrida de toros lit. running of the bulls), bullfight, origin is associated with the ancient cult of the bull. From the beginning 18th century traditional circus show in Spain, Portugal, South. France, Latvian countries America; main role plays a bullfighter (espada, matador), ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (the running of the bulls) is a national Spanish spectacle. From the 16th century has also become widespread in Latin America, especially popular in Mexico. Usually it is organized during some holiday (fiesta) and takes place in a special arena or fenced area... ... Historical Dictionary

CORRIDA, s, women. A massive spectacle in Spain and some other countries is the fight between a bullfighter and a bull. Dictionary Ozhegova. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

Latin name Corrida+ Pharmacological group: dietary supplements - products of plant, animal or mineral origin Nosological classification (ICD 10) ›› F17.2 Nicotine dependence Composition and release form 1 tablet weighing... ... Dictionary of medicines

CORRIDAS- (Spanish corrida, corrida de toros, lit. running of the bulls), bullfighting among the peoples of Southern Europe and Latin America... Ethnographic Dictionary

The history of bloody battles between man and wild animals dates back to the times of the Roman Empire. In the arena of the Colosseum, not only slave gladiators, but also free citizens of the Eternal City demonstrated their strength, prowess and valor.

In the Middle Ages, deadly entertainment was revived in Spain. Knights on war horses fought with bulls, hitting them with spears, risking themselves being defeated by angry animals. Already in those days the church, represented by the Pope, tried to ban brutal fighting, but met severe resistance from the nobility led by the king. Bullfights have taken place and take place in other countries and on other continents, but classic bullfight- the pride and heritage of the descendants of the desperate caballeros.

There is no reliable information about when the battle of the bulls began to be called bullfighting. The translation of the word is also quite vague and can be interpreted as a synonym for “run” or have the semantic meaning of “playing with fate.” This is least important for the Spaniards, who simply call the whole action “bulls.”

The fact that the image of a bull is unofficially included in the country’s coat of arms speaks volumes about how proud the Spaniards are of bullfighting. The King of Spain, in response to demands from the European Union to ban bloody bullfights, threatened to leave the eurozone.

The modern ceremony, methods and techniques of bullfighting began to take shape in the 18th century. The negative attitude of the ruling dynasty towards this type of entertainment turned the secular elite of society away from participating in bullfights.