 |
| News > Commentary - Go out and enjoy Terceira's arena bullfights |
|
Go out and enjoy Terceira's arena bullfights
Posted 7/20/2012 Updated 7/20/2012
Email story
Print story
Commentary by Eduardo Lima
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
7/20/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores, Portugal -- On April 17 of this year, I wrote an article explaining one of the two forms of bullfighting on Terceira Island - the street bullfighting.
The other form of bullfighting that occurs several times during the season, although with less frequency than the street bullfights, is called "arena bullfight." These bullfights also begin with the season in May and reach their peak with the Sanjoaninas Festival, which takes place in Angra annually during the last two weeks of June.
In the arena bullfights, bulls are fought either by bullfighters on foot, matadores, or by cavaleiros - bullfighters on horseback using equestrian skills. In some arena bullfights, especially the "Portuguese style" there's also the participation of a group of men called forcados who face the bull with their bare hands with the objective of immobilizing the animal. These groups of amateurs are unique to Portugal, although they can be seen in arenas in some other parts of the world.
The matadores fight the bull with red capes and perform a series of moves aimed at show their skills and testing the bull's bravery. Unlike Spain, the bull is not killed in the Portuguese arenas, though it is stung by banderillas, a decorated barbed dart that is thrust into the bull's neck and causes some bloodshed.
The cavaleiros' performance also includes the use of banderillas. The goal is for the cavaleiro to fight the bull on horseback and maneuver around the bull without being hit, while placing the banderillas in a designated spot on the bull's back. Sometimes the horses are so well trained they can actually prance in front of the bull at the sound of music, which makes the performance really fascinating.
After the cavaleiro finishes his performance it is time for the forcados to jump in the arena and face the bull. One designated forcado puts a cap on his head and starts walking towards the bull with the other members following close by. When the bull charges, the forcado backs up a few steps and then grabs the bull by the horns and neck with the help of the other forcados. If their first attempt to immobilize the bull is not successful the group then tries again and again until they are successful.
A concert band usually provides a traditional atmosphere to accompany the events, playing the traditional bullfight music "paso dobles."
Ticket prices are usually based on the location of seats and celebrity of bullfighters. The first two or three row of seats and shaded areas are usually more expensive than others. The next arena bullfights are scheduled for July 21 at 9:30 p.m. and Aug. 6 at 8 p.m. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
