Bull fighting is a very typical Spanish activity which is part of the country’s traditions and culture, and is one of the main peculiarities of this country. The origins of this activity can be traced back to as long ago as the VIII AD century, when a bull fight was the way to celebrate the crowning of King Alfonso VIII.
There are bull fights almost every week at many Spanish towns, and it is a regularly accepted practice, although to many people it might seem as a cruelty. Without any doubt this activity is one of the main characteristics of this country, and an important cultural and traditional element of the Spanish society.
During the reign of King Felipe V, prohibited aristocracy from becoming involved with any bull fight since he believed that this practice was improper. After that, bull fighting started becoming a popular practice, which to the date receives spectators of all socio-economical levels.
A bull fight begins when a bull enters the ring. Once this happens, the assistant of the Matador or bull fighter would walk around and wave in front of the bull a dark pink and yellow cape until the bull becomes angry and the Matador takes the place of his assistant. After this, the Picadores, a group of other bull fighters, attack the bull with lances until the Matador takes his hat off and the faena stage begins.
The faena is one of the most critical moments in a bull fight. During this stage, the Matador would provoke the bull by showing him a small piece of clothe which covers a sword. Once the bull approaches the Matador attracted by this piece of clothes, he would kill him with the sword. This is the riskiest moment since the bull could hurt or even kill the Matador once he goes towards him.
Once the Matador kills the bull and the bull fight is over, he could be awarded by the President if he has shown good skills. Many times, the crowd would wave white napkins or tissues wishing that the Matador is awarded or that he shares his awards with them.