Mexico Bullfight

Last weekend there was a bullfight in Merida, a great thing to do while you´re staying here, and since I thought it would be very cultural I decided to go.  It was very interesting.  Tickets were less than $20 USD per person and I opted for the general admission side with the sun since we only had to endure it for about twenty minutes. 

The Bullfight is very popular

In Mexico there are three parts to each bull fight.  The first the bull enters the ring and is observed by the matador to observe its strength and ferocity while doing a series of passes with a rose colored cape.  Second, a heavily armed man on horse back enters the arena carrying a lance or spear like object to stab the bull just behind its neck to weaken it.  Second, the matadors’ crew, called banderillas, attempt to stab six large and sharp sticks into the bulls shoulder, in around the same place where it was stabbed earlier.  The final stage, the matador enters the ring alone with a red cape and sword.  The matador does a series of passes which promt the typical “Ole!” from the crowd.  Finally, the matador attempts to thrust the sword into a small space between the shoulder blades through the aorta or heart.  This is the kill shot for the bull. 

Bullfighter

If the matador does exceptionally well the audience will reply by waving white handkerchiefs.  Sometimes the one or both ears of the bull will be cut off and awarded to the matador.  We were lucky enough to experience one of the best bullfights in recent years according to the local paper.  There were three matadors who each competed twice, and overall 6 bulls were killed.  It was a little bloody however in my opinion the cultural experience was worth it.  There are beers for sale for $25 pesos is about $2USD as well as foods such as popcorn and kibis, which are actually a Middle Eastern dish that has been integrated into the Yucatan.  It is a delicious fried wheat roll with meat and onions inside.   

Plaza de toros

Although there are many groups that argue this practice is barbaric and cruel, I found it a very interesting part of Mexican culture.  We were lucky enough to sit next to some very polite Mexicans who answered all our questions about the bullfight.  The next bullfight is Portuguese style and is supposed to be very different.  I look forward to the experience.