Bull fighting is an integral and inseparable part of Spain. It is one of the most attractive events even though it is gory for those with weak hearts. It is a traditional Spanish fiesta. It is so much a part of Spain that when constant pressures on stopping it were put, the King of Spain allegedly said that the day the EU bans bullfighting will be the day Spain leaves the EU. It is so much a part of Spain’s culture, art and history.

Bullfighting is a great tourist attraction and a money-spinner. It is big business not only for the sport, but also for the betting and other allied things that go with such events. The bulls used on the occasion are specially bred and when they are around three years old, they are sent to the ring to fight. The matadors who fight with the bulls are special people who have been trained for the purpose. They generally come from families which have bullfighting in their veins and begin training when they are very young. It is almost a family business and the matadors are very serious about it. They are paid a high salary and get almost the same pay as a top soccer player or a rock idol. They dress in special dresses and suits and have to be very quick and flexible to fight with the bulls.

Bullfighting was originally started by the ancient Romans but the Moors developed it and gave it its present touch. The Moors came from North Africa and perfected the art of bullfighting in 711 AD. They would fight the bulls mounted on horses and held thee bullfights on special festive occasions. Now bullfights are held on every Sunday from March till June in almost every city of Spain though the biggest and the best are held in the country’s capital of Madrid where 25,000 people can witness the bullfights on each occasion.

Generally six bulls are killed by three matadors every time. The bullfight lasts for half an hour or so. Matadors, their assistants the banderillos and the picadors march into the ring to the accompaniment of gay music. The music is lively and foot tapping. The matadors in their heavily embroidered silk jackets, skintight trousers and a montera which is a special hat look grand. Each suit can cost several thousand dollars and a top matador has about six to seven such suits in a season. The bull enters the ring and a loud cheering welcomes them. The matador waves his red cape and makes the bull charge. Contrary to the well-wishers of animals who feel that the bulls are starved to make them savage, it is reassuring to know that they are not. They charge because of their instinct. These bulls are different from the normal bulls. They weigh a lot more but are quite nimble on their feet.

The more closer the matador goes to the bull’s angry horns, louder is the cheer from the audience. The response depends on his skill, his dexterity and nimbleness. The more dangerous the move more is the excitement of the audience. There is music and drums keeping pace with the bullfight. After a certain amount of teasing, the matador gets ready for the kill. It has to be precise. He plunges the sword between the shoulders aiming at the aorta as he takes a flying leap over its head. It has to be perfect; else there is grave danger to the matador from the horns as well as the angry bull. The timing, the strength of the plunge, the preciseness has to be perfect. The matadors spend years training for this.

Bullfighting remains an integral part of Spain and has to be on the must-visit list of all tourists.