by Isaure Cointreau

 Living in Spain one cannot avoid the famous corridas.  Although there are debates arguing whether it is a barbaric tradition or a fantastic folkloric art, it is either way a breathtaking experience. During my time on the Spanish soil I have witnessed several executions of bulls, some more spectacular than others. Between the novillados, the matadors and the rejoneadores the picture is well set to suit all tastes.  For my part I have a preference, what’s yours?

Starting with the beginners, although the young bullfighters can appear clumsy and make us feel ill for the poor animal, some could surprise you. Don’t miss on the novilladas, you might see the first steps of a great matador! On the other hand, the more experienced bullfighters execute their labor with far more grace and confidence. The defying attitude towards the bull is part of the game and while they dance with their “capote de brega” , they enhance the thrills and excitement of the show.

 However if you want a little bit more extravaganza, beauty and intense emotions, try the ones where horses are part of the arena.  These are called the rejoneos and although the stakes are very different in the art of bullfighting it is, as far I’m concerned the most enjoyable.

On Sunday 6th of June, Andy Cartagena overthrew its public with a tremendous performance. The alchemy between the horse and its rider were evident and it felt as if they were one. Through audacious twirls while the bull was chasing the torero’s ride, the tease and remarkable execution, the show was unbelievable. Setting the bullring on fire, Cartagena took the high road, leaving the arena through the main entrance, acclaimed like a hero and carried by its public. No wonder two ears were granted to him.

 Although the trills of the corrida are undeniable, more agreeable to some than others, it is often forgotten that it is not just a sport but a complex game between life and death dictated by precise rules. The last few weeks have been a sheer example of the dangers of the arena and the talent of Israel Lancho did not prevent him from a tragic fate. While the bull was waiting for the last coup it refused its death sentence and surprised the matador with its horns. Let this be a lesson for all as to never let down our guard when facing unreliable circumstances.

 Although to foreigners this game seems to be pretty much out there, there is much more to it than what meets the eye. Skills, precision and courage are the three elements a matador requires throughout his training as they are eventually the only resources he will rely on during the fights. On the other hand, the cape seems to be another reliable fact for his safety. Contradicting the legend where the bull would be attracted to red, it is in fact to moving objects that the animal is encouraged to charge.

Alongside the whole rhythm of the events of the corrida, such as the venue of the picadors and bandilleros, the bullfighter comes last but with the tragic duty of finishing off the bull. Armed with a smaller cape, making his presence more evident to the beast, and a long sword, his role is to aim for the shoulder blades of the black bull. This is where bullfighting can be considered as an art. While the matador performs a breathtaking dance, in order to tire the wounded animal, the risks are nevertheless hazardous. This beautiful show ends when the sword sinks in the black neck. The beast then surrenders falling on his knees, the blood silently dripping on the sand. Then according to the performance the fighter would be granted either the public’s applause or a prize, such as an ear or two of the sacrificed toro.

So what will it be, tradition or SPA? I am far from being a vegetarian but I do fear the exhibition of blood, however I cannot be disgusted in any way by the sunlight reflected on the red stained back of a bull. The graceful movements of the cape, the shining costumes, the running banderilleros and the ringing applause of the public, how could one be sick of such enthusiasm? If Matisse once said that art is the realization of impressions, isn’t bullfighting the art of dancing with death, creating for the viewers the sensational thrills of fear and amazement?