The
Iberian bull is one of Spain's greatest symbols. The Spaniards
take pride in its strength and power. It has also become an
integral part of the Spanish
culture due to Spain's popular bull fights. Most major cities
within Spain have thier own Plaza de Toros to host these traditional
spectacles. While many people still enjoy viewing a bull fight,
the activity has become more controversial in recent years due to
animal rights activists.
Bull fighting, as it is know today,
originated in the Middle Ages as a way for a knight to display his
bravery. As the custom become more popular, more and more arenas
were contstructed around Spain. As do most forms of
entertainment, bull fighting evolved with the times, and rather than
knights facing the bulls, specially trained toreros became the
new icon.
Bull fighting consists of three phases.
In the first phase, a picador enters the arena mounted on a
horse. His role is to stab the bull just behind the neck with a
lance. Secondly, three banderillos enter the arena on foot and
attempt to stab the bull with banderillas (sharp barbed sticks) in the
same area behind the neck. By the end of the first two stages,
the bull has becomed weakened by loss of blood; which is when the
torero enters the stage for the last phase. Dressed in his
traditional bull fighting outfit, el traje de luces, and armed with a
sword and cape, the torero continues to taunt and tire the bull.
He waits for the ideal moment when the bullied has become
wearied, and as the bull charges the torero stabs the bull between the
shoulder blades and hits the bull's heart.
The
plaza de toros in Granada has hosted many famous toreros. Apart
from holding bull fights, the plaza de toros is also used for concerts
and other large rallies.
La Alhambra
