Bullfighting in Spain Nikki Dielfield

Overview Bullfighting is considered a spectator sport in Spain. Bullfighting is considered a spectator sport in Spain. It is also considered an art form and an integral part of the Spanish culture. It is also considered an art form and an integral part of the Spanish culture. A bullfight is about the performance, bravery, skill, and death. A bullfight is about the performance, bravery, skill, and death. Bullfighting can be considered controversial to some people and animal rights activists in Spain today. Bullfighting can be considered controversial to some people and animal rights activists in Spain today.

History The exact time period of the origin of bullfighting is unknown, but it is expected to have been introduced by the Moors in the 11 th century The exact time period of the origin of bullfighting is unknown, but it is expected to have been introduced by the Moors in the 11 th century Bullfighting evolved into a sport during the Middle Ages and was practiced by nobles Bullfighting evolved into a sport during the Middle Ages and was practiced by nobles Later in the 18 th century, bullfighting became more expansive and was opened up to large crowds within bullrings Later in the 18 th century, bullfighting became more expansive and was opened up to large crowds within bullrings

Components A bullfight consists of 3 matadors (matadores), 6 bulls (toros), and 6 assistants for each matador: 2 lancers (picadores), 3 flagmen (banderilleros) & 1 sword servant (mozo de espada) A bullfight consists of 3 matadors (matadores), 6 bulls (toros), and 6 assistants for each matador: 2 lancers (picadores), 3 flagmen (banderilleros) & 1 sword servant (mozo de espada)

Stages of a Bullfight Stage 1: Tercio de varas Stage 1: Tercio de varas –The matador and banderillos test the bull for its ferocity and the matador has his first confrontation with the bull. –The picadores then enter the ring and stab the bull in the muscle at the back of the bull’s neck to weaken the muscles.

Stages cont. Stage 2: Tercio de banderillas Stage 2: Tercio de banderillas –The banderilleros each try to stab barbed sticks into the back of the bulls neck in order to further weaken the bull. –This often angers the bull into making charges at the banderilleros.

Stages cont. Stage 3: Tercio de muerte Stage 3: Tercio de muerte –The matador is back in the bullring alone, armed with a small sword and red cape. –The cape is used to distract the attention of the bull. –In this stage, the matador must stab the bull between the shoulder blades, piercing the heart at which the bull dies instantly.

Bullfighting Vocabulary  plaza de toros (bullring)  toro (bull)  corrida (bullfight)  matador (bullfighter)  picador (lancer)  capa (cape)  banderilleros (flagmen)  mozo de espada (sword servant)  cuadrilla (bullfighter’s team)  sol/sombra (sun/shade)

Bullfighting Controversy Discussion & Assignment Although bullfighting is considered to some to be a tradition in Spain and have much cultural significance, there are others who believe the sport demonstrates cruelty to animals. Although bullfighting is considered to some to be a tradition in Spain and have much cultural significance, there are others who believe the sport demonstrates cruelty to animals. Your task is to get into groups of 3 or 4 and discuss your opinions on this matter. Your task is to get into groups of 3 or 4 and discuss your opinions on this matter. For homework, your assignment is to find a news article related to this topic and bring it into class tomorrow for further discussion. For homework, your assignment is to find a news article related to this topic and bring it into class tomorrow for further discussion.