I made my way back to Spain, a place I've highly criticized in my personal conversations before under the guise of culture shock but have now come to love. This time, my partner joined me and was insistent on going to see bullfighting, an "activity" I would have never chosen on my own, nevertheless, we went to Plaza del Toros de las Ventas in Madrid. Turns out, we both didn't know what we were getting into. We watched 5 out of 6 bulls be killed or give their lives in the arena that day, depending on how you look at it... I asked myself whether this tradition was a life of honor for the bull or a dreadful death. Below is my train of scrambled thoughts as I watched. As much as I sat there in horror, something began to change in me as I watched, it felt like an existential and educational moment. Although I didn't know what to do with my mixed emotions, I'm glad I was able to be a spectator and translate my mixed emotions into this piece-
Breaking the Bull
The slick blood drenches down the side of the brown bull
Is this a demonstration of nobility or cruelty?
A life of honor or imminent death?
Perdón I do not mean to offend
Solely to comprehend.
Gladiators they are
Being broken down slowly
In front of a crowd
I hesitate to clap As I process what I’m witnessing
My family loved going to see the horse races
At the Belmont Stakes
To go with my grandmother was a special occasion
I can imagine this means the same to them…
The bull pants of exhaustion
In the rhythm of a heartbeat
BA-BOOM BA-BOOM
Now that he’s tired El Matador De Toros taunts him
While he’s down
While he’s broken…
The more he’s broken down the more they clap
SILENCIO— for the killing of the big noble bull
Blood drips down his face
The poor baby doesn’t know if it wants to give up
Or keep fighting
Are these men cowards?
The clean-up crew comes in as the crowd waves
Their white towels in celebration
Music plays-
MUSIC?
How many bulls are they set to kill today?
It’s been 2 so far…
The more time passes
The bigger the bulls get
The faster they come out
I begin to feel guilty
For dressing up for such an occasion
What is the relationship between the horse and the bull?
Both suffer the consequences of this entertainment
The bull stabs the horse in a state of confusion and agitation
The horse a slave,
A vehicle of their weapons
Is this trickery or tradition?
“Ole ole” they say
As the matador prepares their sword again
For the 5th kill…
Making the bulls dance for their death.
The more I watch
The more I’m compelled to clap?
It’s an emotional rollercoaster
Or maybe it’s the cervezsa
By now I’ve gotten used to the sight
However, the last one puts up a stand
It would not go down without a fight…
Is this an emulation of life?
Bullfighting, deeply rooted in Spanish and Latin American culture. It is a controversial traditional spectacle where "El Matador De Toros" [the killer of bulls] confronts the bull in a carefully designed ritual. For supporters, it symbolizes bravery, artistry, and cultural heritage, preserving ancient traditions. However, others view it as animal cruelty and outdated entertainment. The event's history dates back centuries and elicits strong emotions, reflecting diverse perspectives on tradition, ethics, and identity. While some regions have banned or modified bullfighting due to animal welfare concerns, it remains a complex and divisive cultural phenomenon, challenging Americans to explore its nuances and grapple with their own beliefs and cultural practices.
For more information and history on bullfighting, I encourage you to read this detailed article that although focuses on bullfighting in the Colombian context, still provides a lot of background on bullfighting and its origins in Spain.
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