BULLFIGHTING: CULTURE OR TORTURE?

" Spanish torero José Tomás's daredevil style has attracted new fans to bullfighting. Photograph: Enrique Castro-

Mendivil / Reut/Reuters" -via BBC

Bullfighting is a popular sport in Spain and other Spanish speaking countries. It is a fight between a bull and matador and the bull is usually killed at the end. Started in 11th century, it is one of the most controversial sports in the world.

The prestigious San Isidro bullfight has been suspended after three matadors were gored in one day." Source: BBC

How Bullfighting Works

The bull is released in the ring and in first stage it is tested by Matador. The Matador faces the bull with "capote de brega," performing a series of passes to learn bull's behavior.

At this point, the picador enters the arena on the horse and stabs the bull on a muscle near neck.

In next stage, all three banderillas, known as "Tercio de Banderillas" try to stab bull with sharp sticks.

In the final stage, the matador comes in the ring again with a red cap and sword. This time the matador performs a series of passes with the red cap. The bull is usually killed at the end of the fight. Many times people in crowd cheer and wave a white handkerchiefs. It is a sign that matador performed extremely well and deserves to be awarded by the bull's ear.

Bullfighting: A culture or Torture?

Bullfight, c.1934 - Pablo Picasso

For many Spaniards and Spanish speaking people, bullfighting is an art and tradition which has been preserved for centuries. For them bullfighting is not just a sport but a tradition, form of art, and part of their culture. Many famous artists like Mary Cassatt and Picasso chose bullfighting to show their artwork. A debate on whether bullfighting should be banned or not took place in Catalonia's parliament Esperanza Aguirre, head of the conservative regional government in Madrid, said "It is an art-form that deserves to be protected and that has been part of Mediterranean and Spanish culture since time immemorial."

Picture Source: http://www.stopbullfighting.org.uk/facts.htm

Many animal rights organization present their argument by claiming that bullfighting is a torture against animals and should be banned. Many of them claim that the bull is tortured before and during the fight. Many countries including Catalonia and Galicia have banned bullfighting.

What do you think? Is bullfighting a culture that should be preserved or a torture and should be banned? Please share your opinions about bullfighting in comments on our social media pages.

Learn more about bullfighting

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/mar/07/madrid-protects-bullfighting-art

https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-27520374

https://www.wikiart.org/en/pablo-picasso/bullfight

http://www.stopbullfighting.org.uk/facts.htm