Considered culture by some Spaniards and a harmful custom by others, there is no doubt that bullfighting is one of the biggest Spanish stereotypes all over the world. Here are 10 facts about bullfighting in Spain you probably don’t know.
Bullfighting in Spain. 10 facts that will surprise you
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- Bullfighting in Spain. 10 facts that will surprise you
- 1. Most Spanish people do not support it
- 2. The most unknown of the facts about bullfighting: They are seasonal
- 3. Spanish Bullfighting is, in fact, forbidden in some regions of Spain
- 4. A peculiar fact about bullfighting: The bulls are a special breed
- 5. An interesting fact about bullfighting in Spain: It's origin
- 6. The most interesting of the facts about bullfighting: Bulls do not go after red
- 7. In fact, in bullfights, bulls go after movement, not colour
- 8. A fact about what happens after the bullfight in Spain: The bull’s meat is processed
- 9. Bullfighters are presented with bull parts
- 10. Some bulls are pardoned
1. Most Spanish people do not support it
Only around 25% of the Spanish population support bullfighting. Out of those, only 8% attend.
2. The most unknown of the facts about bullfighting: They are seasonal
The season goes from March to October but they also take place when the city has special festivities.
3. Spanish Bullfighting is, in fact, forbidden in some regions of Spain
They are forbidden in the Canary Islands and Catalonia and other regions are following. There are some regions in which it depends on the political party in power.
4. A peculiar fact about bullfighting: The bulls are a special breed
Farmers bred the bulls specifically for bullfights. They are brave bulls (toros bravos) and you can only find them in the Iberian peninsula.
5. An interesting fact about bullfighting in Spain: It's origin
Brave bulls and bull fighting was, in the old days, a popular element of the festivities all over Spain. They originally happened in the squares with wooden fences being the only protection available.
6. The most interesting of the facts about bullfighting: Bulls do not go after red
One of the most popular myths is actually not true. While they can see colours, they do not see them like a human and they can not differentiate between some of them. Red does nothing in particular.
7. In fact, in bullfights, bulls go after movement, not colour
Bulls perceive sudden movements as a threat, especially when nearby. Some animals might run but bulls are more aggressive and will go after whatever they perceive as a danger.
8. A fact about what happens after the bullfight in Spain: The bull’s meat is processed
Immediately after the bull has been killed they take it to a butcher for the meat to the processed. The most famous dish made with bull is bull’s tail.
9. Bullfighters are presented with bull parts
At the end of a bullfight, the viewers will shake a white handkerchief to express their satisfaction with the bullfighter. The more they do it the more impressed they are.
People can award the bullfighter one ear, two ears, and the top award, the two ears and the tail.
10. Some bulls are pardoned
If a bull is particularly brave they pardon and use it as a stallion.
- If you enjoy reading facts maybe you will enjoy 5 interesting facts about Easter in Spain.
Save money on your trip to Spain to learn more interesting facts about Spanish bullfighting.
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