Bullfights in Fiestas de Quito

Once a year during Fiestas de Quito, bullfights are held throughout the week. It was my first bullfight and I had no idea what to expect. Either you enjoy it or hate it. I enjoyed it. 

There were 7 fights, one of which was on horse-back. What I found amazing was the spectacle; the costumes, the crowd, musicians and 100's of years of Spanish heritage.

The bullfights are split into three acts. In the first Act, the bull (weighing 4-5 tons) is released into the arena chasing down anything that moves. Bulls are in fact color-blind and have the instinct to knock-out anything in its way. Two horses arrive in the arena and the Picador pierces the neck of the bull with a lance to release adrenaline and also force the bulls neck to swell preventing excessive movement.

In Act 2, two Banderilleros arrive in the arena. They stare down the bull and run, jump, pirouette and pierce two paper dowels into the backs of the bulls. 6 dowels are placed in total. The placement of the dowels is an art-form in itself.

In Act 3, the Matador having observed the movement of the bulls, initiates the fight with the classic cape. A shout of OLE from the crown with each pass. If the judges are satisfied they order music into the arena. The Matador, strides with pride. Back straight, feet together, chin in the air. The better the dance the prouder he is. He can reach out and stroke the bull on the horns and pat him on the back. 

Finally, the kill. The glorious way to finish the bull is with one strike through the neck into the heart. Death to the bull is instantaneous. However, in most cases (as I missed the world famous matadors) the kill takes several attempts, with a different type of sword after three attempts.

In a glorious match the crowd will go wild and the judges will either award one or two EARs or in an amazing match two ears and a tail. In the last case (there was only one all week) the life of the bull is spared. (ala Gladiator) Literally, the ears is cut and handed to the glorious matador. See his photo. 

Check out photos of the matador on horseback and the matador who got struck in the butt and ankle!!