Origins of Bullfighting in Spain

Author: nancygallen | Posted: 08.08.2012

Bullfighting is considered one of Spain’s steep traditions; it is a very well known activity in the country as well as on the international platform. Bullfighting is one of the most polemical Spanish customs that is very popular.

Bull Species

The bullfighting fiesta exists with the Toro Bravo bull species which is considered an archaic species that is well conserved in Spain. The species’ forebears are the primitive urus; they were found across the world with many civilizations revering them. The bull-cultus species that are found at Creta, a Greek island is well known. This type is normally used in biblical sacrifices as recorded in the Bible in honor of any divine justice.

Bulls are commonly used in many Iberian religious ceremonies by Iberian tribes during pre-historical times.

Bull ring

The bull ring also has an origin to its place in Spanish tradition. The bull ring is commonly known as the ‘Plaza’. It was utilized as a place of sacrifice and ceremonies during the Celtic-Iberian tribal epoch. The bull ring at times doubles up as religious temples for some of the religious ceremonies to be conducted. This religious practice is still conserved in Soria province which is near to Numancia. These bull species are still being offered as sacrifices in the local bull ring.

Although there was a religious ceremony to the bulls and bull ring during the Iberian culture, it was the Greeks and the Romans who transformed the religious practice into a tradition sport which sticks to Spain until today.

New activity

The middle age was a time of changes where the bulls’ role took a new twist. Torear skills were growing in high demand among the aristocrats where ’torearing’ the bull on horseback was highly advocated. This new sport was known as suerte de cañas. However, the activity took another turn of fate during the 18th century when the lower class population invented bullfighting on foot.

One of the major figures in popularizing this new sport was Francisco Romero who also laid down the basic rules for the new activity. Hence, more locals were able to participate in the activity especially during special festivals such as the San Fermin fiesta.

There are thousands of La Corrida fans today with hundreds from outside of Spain. These hundreds flock to Spain every July for a front row view or an active participation in the activity which has now become a tradition instead of being an archaic culture.

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Spain offers numerous opportunities and spain villa and girona villas lets you select the most beautiful destinations in Spain. Enjoy your beautiful villa with private pool in Spain. Also read my blog at : Nancy Gallen's Blog.

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