after being given a copy of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises from my amigo Sam many years ago, i became curious about the spanish tradition of bullfighting. in the newspapers, it is reported in the arts section, not sports section, alongside gallery openings, symphony schedules, and book reviews. it is quite controversial in spain as it is elsewhere as animal-rights activists protest its apparent cruelty to torros, but it still has a strong following. after having the opportunity to see the infamous spectacle yesterday at Madrid's Plaza de Torros, i can sort of see why.
i can't do it justice describing it here, but it is truly mesmerizing. at first fast as they frustrate the bull with a game of hide and seek. then he gets to attack a horse, but is speared. the third stage, the acrobatic banderilleos skewer him a couple of times to drain his energy through blood loss. but then the finale.
the bull's 10 minutes with the matador isn't a fight. it is more of a hypnosis, a ritual, a deadly, dangerous dance this matador does with a 1500 lb. angry bull. the matador is graceful and sexy in his suit of lights. he is masculine, but delicate. strong, but agile. the bull is powerful, but quick. angry, but entranced. it is very passionate, this tradition, and you can feel the danger and adrenaline.
is it cruel? well, yes, but isn't life?
Monday, March 23, 2009
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1 comments:
It sounds like you're having a great once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I can't imagine seeing a bullfight. I can see how it would be cruel yet captivating to watch. Enjoy the rest of your time there!
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