A Family Tradition?

[bufante]

Disclaimer: This thread is not meant in anyway to begin a debate or make any judgements about the ethical treatment of animals or how other cultures should or should not do things. In fact this thread is just for info for people that might be interested. If you do not agree with what is shown here or what I paid to see for what ever reasons, it's okay with me. I just don't want to argue about it! And I don't want to see any others argue about it. Don't take it personally nor should you read any further if you don't like the topic....I think I covered all of the political correctness there? If not, sorry in advance. Oh and there are some pics that might be slightly offensive...just trying to warn in advance.

Okay, what the hell am I talking about?.....a bullfight.

Papa T and I attended a mano y mano bullfight of two the better matadors in the world last week in Cancun. I had not been to a bull fight before and I was very curious to see what they were like. Papa T on the other hand was an exceptional guide as he is rather well versed in bullfighting culture and he has attended them in the past.
Here is Papa T purchasing our tickets...which were a lot harder to get then you might think. All of the first row tickets were sold out (at $1000.00 pesos each). General admission tickets were $250 pesos....the place was packed when the event started.

I was very impressed with the amount of people that arrived to see the fight. The women that showed up were dressed up and there were several children in attendence. Every age group was represented, in fact it seemed to me like a family event. The beer was flowing and the food was fragrent. The whole thing reminded me of a pro Football game in the US without the tailgating in the parking lot before hand .
The pictures I took did not turn out very well, partly because of my sucky camera, partly because of the lighting situation or lack of, party because of the action and speed of the event, and most of all because I have no camera skills! If you are offended by this sort of stuff, don't look at these pictures...they were chosen specfically for their lack of gruesomeness (is that a word?) and because they were some of the better ones, if that gives you any idea how bad I am with a terrible digital camera .








I was impressed with this Matador the most..he was Mexican and got so close to the bull several times, he actually gave it a short hug. He was very good in the fact that he stood his ground, noticebly more then the other Matador...and that outfit is great!

This is the stance the Matador makes before he goes in....it's as if he is staring the bull down. I found the whole thing to be very much like a dance. The forms and the footwork of the Matador was well rehearsed and rather elegent considering the circumstances.


Action photo (he missed if you were wondering)




I was impressed by the crowd at the event...they were boisterous and rowdy...might have been the beer and tequila? . There was a lot of respect paid to the women of the crowd by both the spectators and the Matadors. Ears were awarded as a sign of courage in skill to both Matadors, but no tails were given. The crowd paid repsect to the Matadors by cheering (loudly) and throwinng whatever they could on the arena floor (flowers, bags of wine, seat cushions, shoes, seat cushions etc...). The whole thing was very interesting.
I hope I did not offend too much, my intention was to inform and show some pics.


There is a lot more to tell if there are any questions and I am sure that Tony could explain some of the specifics if needed.

Be gentle

[Uno Mas]

For some reason I always expected bullfights to take place in outdoor arenas, which was obviously not the case here.
Looks like you guys had a good man's day out

[Shammy]

I for one enjoyed the report Adam, thanks for taking the time to post it. Doesn't even matter what I think about bull fights really, and you did indeed cover your ass perfectly!

The best part about the story though, I got to see a great picture of two of my favorite people!

[Seakony]

I saw one on TV last march at out hotel....I was rooting for the bull. I think It takes more guts ...or less brains.. to ride one, and I really admire the rodeo cowboys. Thanks for the report.

[Kellyk]

Originally Posted by bufante

There's that smile! You and Papa T look like you had a great day.

There is a Latin ballroom dance called the Pasa Doble (sp? ) that is inspired by the 'dance' of the Matador and the bull. Very sexy and powerful.

Thanks for the pictures, very interesting.

[Sol]

Bull-fighting is a centuries old tradition that began in Spain and ended up in indigenous America. It's considered an art form and also is a representation of masculinity. I get that part. I think this is one of those things that it is a matter of preference, having a strong stomach, and not being concerned about the misery a bull must endure before being put to death. As an animal lover, I don't approve of bullfights, but this is one of those of issues that if I don't like it, I won't go. Those animals go through a lot of suffering for the enjoyment of the audience. It's a bloody mess and it is heartbreaking to see bulls tortured slowly until their deaths. Moreover, if a matador is gored, that is a horrible sight to witness.

Thanks for posting your pictures Bufante. I will confess that the "traje de luces" (the gala suit) that the matador wears is spectacular as are the movements he does to attract the bull. It's kind of like flamenco dances. I think there might be a connection.

[cpfstich]

Sounds like a lotta bull to me.

[Davev]

I have done the "running" in Pamplona,Spain twice (1993 and 1994) and attended the fights the same afternoon, and saw the bulls that chased us thru the streets that morning meet their fate. Very traditional there - your tickets say "Sol" or "Sombre" - the higher class people sit in the more expensive "Sombre"(shade) seats while the regular folks sit in the "Sol"(sun) - it is 5pm, so half the place is in the shade - the party is in the SOL seats, they lug Sangria dispensers and tons of food, chant loudly and get very, very drunk. The people in the Sombre sit quietly and observe - Whatever you think of the inevitible outcome, it is obviously quite traditional and quite a spectacle- We were quite hammered upon leaving...

[SarahB]

Although I don't think I could handle sitting through a bull fight, I was really interested to see the pictures and hear about it. I'm sure it's amazing to watch (all animal issues aside).

[playabum17]

Originally Posted by SarahB

Although I don't think I could handle sitting through a bull fight, I was really interested to see the pictures and hear about it. I'm sure it's amazing to watch (all animal issues aside).

That's about where I'm at, don't think I could sit through one, but it is an interesting tradition.

[bufante]

Originally Posted by SarahB

Although I don't think I could handle sitting through a bull fight, I was really interested to see the pictures and hear about it. I'm sure it's amazing to watch (all animal issues aside).

Blood and guts have never really bothered me much...staying in a hotel in a very small Mexican village that happens to be haunted...now I can barely handle that. Somehow it worked out...cool story, I'll tell ya about it sometime.

Thanks all for the comments, it really was an interesting thing to go to. If I am not mistaken, the meat from the bull is supposed to be donated to the poor. Not completely sure about that, but it would be a nice gesture.

[Tony&Cheri]

I enjoy Bullfights on many levels and for many reasons. However this time the enjoyment was in getting to spend some time with somebody I already knew and liked. Over the past few days I got to know him even better, and I think even more of him now. Dinner on a Caribbean beach with a with a good friend, then drinking cervezas while surrounded by very pretty girls and watching a world class artist perform death defying feats. A damned fine way to spend an evening. Thanks for the company Adam.
Papa T

[xqqzme]

Booked to see one when I was in Mazatlan a few years ago and then everybody else backed out on me. I was very interested in seeing it but didn't want to go alone. I see them as an intriguing cross between a dancer and a real daredevil athlete. Blood sports have been a part of most cultures for a long time and I agree....we don't need to get all political about it. Lucky you for being able to go...thanks for the report. Is Cancun the closest place to see one?

[BKScott]

Cruel - don't wanta see - really don't want to go!

[TAPPY]

Originally Posted by bufante

Blood and guts have never really bothered me much...staying in a hotel in a very small Mexican village that happens to be haunted...now I can barely handle that. Somehow it worked out...cool story, I'll tell ya about it sometime.

Thanks all for the comments, it really was an interesting thing to go to. If I am not mistaken, the meat from the bull is supposed to be donated to the poor. Not completely sure about that, but it would be a nice gesture.

Now that is a story I want to hear (please) !!!!!!

Good report Bufante....