Tender Tails in the Ring

My cousin and well-known author, James Michener, once compared the brutality of a bullfight with elements of surgery. I respect the enormous talent my dear cousin had when it came to writing a best-selling novel, however, I find comparing bullfighting to surgery to be a rather long stretch of the imagination. Admittedly, there are several aspects of surgery that may be considered gruesome to the average Joe, but to compare surgery, which many times is performed for improving or saving lives, to the brutality encountered in the bull ring, known as the plaza de toros, is a bit off the mark in my humble opinion.

Athletes Take To The Ring

Before making his way to the plaza de toros the matador puts on the required uniform of the torero (bullfighter). This uniform, which is called traje de luces or "suit of lights," dates as far back as the 17^th century and is so named for its many flashy sequins. After dressing, it is customary for the matador to visit either his private travelling chapel or that of the bullring for some prayer before his upcoming conquest.

As in other sports, each player has his own position to play in the ring. The athletes in the bullfight, also known as the corrida, are the matador, his assistant the banderillero, and his mounted assistant the picador. First in the ring, the banderillero, accompanied by the matador, waves a cape at the bull, forcing him to charge, which gives the matador a chance to evaluate the bull's disposition. The next athlete to enter the ring is the picador. Carrying a long lance, the picador arrives to the ring riding on a padded and blindfolded horse. Using the lance, the picador's job is to further enrage the bull in preparation for his face-off with the matador.

As the picador makes his exit, the banderillero enters the arena one last time, waving ribboned dart sticks at the bull, eventually sticking them into his shoulders. By now the bull is sufficiently angered and ready to "square off" with the matador.

Pitting Man Against Bull