Added: 11/01/2005 |
"Fiesta Nacional" in bullfighting countryIf you are looking for something that can make your life more interesting and rich in events, come to Spain and enjoy its marvellous atmosphere of beauty and everyday feast. Spain is a country of ancient traditions which became famous and popular the world over. Widely known for friendly hospitality, this bullfighting country gains people`s hearts offering a great variety of entertainments, excursions, and cultural programs. For thousands of years Spain has been one of the most famous cultural centers of Europe. You`ll take a delight in observing old monuments and modern architecture of its beautiful cities and towns. Spain is a very fascinating country, it has various regions which are all different one to each other, geografiphically, climatically and even in personality. Spanish "fiestas" are always full of sparkling joy and people`s fantasy and they are organized all year round. Spain`s folkloristical traditions are a real unique property of the country. Magic alluring power of Flamenco, bright bullfighting show, many-coloured carnival, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine - today Spain is opened for everyone who wants to make his holyday unforgettable.
If you want to know what Spanish temper is, you have to see Flamenco - first rate dancing and guitar playing, but also don`t forget that Spain is a famous bulfighting country and if you don`t see this great national performance you`ll not be able to say that you really understand the Spaniards. And although bullfighting is a ruther polemical today, we must acknowledge that it has both negative and positive sides. Many people have a very superficial knowledge about bullfights and don`t know what it is really. So, what is bullfighting? Is it a bloody murder or a captivating spectacle getting the adrenalin flowing? Let`s make an observation of this colourful action. Bullfighting is the most common thing associated with Spain, and rightly so for its origins date back to 711AD when the first bullfight took place in honour of the crowning of King Alfons VIII. Bullfighting was originally done on horseback and was a sport reserved for the aristocracy. This changed when Felipe V prohibited the nobles from practicing the sport as he felt it was a bad example for the public's education. But after his death, in the 40th of XVIII century this tradition was revived. Around 1724 the sport was transformed from horseback to foot. And it was a great change of bullfighting technique. It becomes an art. The bullfighter has to carefully examine and study the movements and strengths of the bull. One wrong move and he will end up gored or seriously injured.
In Spain the bullfight is called the "Fiesta Nacional" (The national Sport). For its fans "La Corrida" is of course rather an art than a sport, not to speak about the challenge of the man fighting against the beast. The bullfight is literally a dance with death. In the bullfighting country this bloody spectacle is considered to be a hardening of courage - one of the main Spaniards` traits. Spanish public also plays a great role during the bullfighting. Greeting the bullfighter and the bull with applause and vociferous cheers, this public, like a homogeneous organism, create an impression of a really national tradition which couldn`t exist in any other country because it may turn into cruel entertainment for people with a bad taste. Nevertheless this specific Spanish tradition must remain within the country.
In the bullfighting country the season of "Fiesta Nacional" runs from March to October. Each bullfight comprises six bulls and three matadors, each of whom fights two bulls. The bulls are specially bred fighting bulls, usually from the same bloodline and are not less than four years old with a weight somewhere between 500 and 800 kilos. A "corrida" starts with a parade of all the contestants and bailiffs dressed in 17th century costume, who salute the president of the fight. The president is an important official who controls the fight and can award trophies to a matador who performs well. The action of bullfight consists of three parts, called "tercios", being separated by horn-signals. In the first "tercio" the bullfighter gets a rise out of the bull using the "capote", a quite large rag of purple and yellow color that makes the bull furious. Then enter two picadores, on horse's back and armed with a sort of lance. The second part is "la suerte de banderillas". Three "banderilleros" (bullfighters on foot) have to stick a pair of "banderillas" (wooden sticks) into the bull's back. In the final "suerte suprema" the bullfighter uses the "muleta", a small red rag. He has to show his "faena" - his masterity to dominate the bull. The "corrida" ends with the "torero" killing the bull by his sword.
Bullfights are part and parcel of any "Fiesta" in Spain. "Fiesta" means a majestic colourful celebration that symbolizes a great desire to live happily for Spaniards. In the bullfighting country the tradition of "corrida" is not simply a game for being shown, it`s an intention to establish an artistical symbiosis between man and beast. So, maybe let it be.
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