Nisa, PORTUGAL – Since the beginning of Portuguese history bullfights – Touradas, in Portuguese – have been a unique part of the country’s culture.
Although initially used to train knights for war, bullfights are now a common form of entertainment across Portugal.
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In addition to being entertaining, Portuguese bullfights are also stunning spectacles.
Most bullfights are held in old, traditional bullrings, or “praça de touros” in Portuguese, near the town center which are quite well kept. These spectacular stone arenas are a much more aesthetic alternative to the steel structures that frame modern concert venues.
Bullfights are additionally often accompanied by a handful of food stands that usually offer traditional Portuguese fast food like fried chorizo or pork sandwiches (bifanas) before or after the fight, and so the whole experience can make for a great night out.
The bullfight itself starts with the cortesias (or curtsies) which is where everyone who will be involved in the fight lines up in the center of the ring and bows to the audience.
In keeping with the historical elements of bullfights, all those participating are dressed in beautiful 18th century costumes, including the horses who are all adorned with feathery plumes.
Next comes the main event; the fight. After the bull comes into the ring, the knight (mounted on horseback) starts “fighting” the bull.
This includes enticing the bull to the center of the ring and stabbing it with a collection of metal spears. This is my favorite part, as it allows the knight to do a lot of tricks on horseback, showcasing his or her talents.
Despite this, the bull is quite hurt, which can be shocking for some of the audience. But the bull is never killed during the bullfight, although most are killed after and sold for their meat.
After the fight, there is a particularly hilarious phase, especially for those who like when things go wrong. This is called the pega or “holding,” and is where a group of eight men, the “forcados,” try to hold on to the aggravated wild bull.
The part that goes wrong is that they often fail. And my favorite bullfights are the ones when the forcados fly off the bull and have to try to grab onto the animal’s horns again and keep trying until they manage to hold on.
Bullfights here in Portugal are typically run from spring until summer as the wet weather in fall and winter makes the sand floor of the bullring muddy and slippery and generally unsuitable for bullfighting.
If you ever get the chance to see a Portuguese bullfight, I highly recommend it.
Manuel Bernardo Tavares Moreira Belo Carmona is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
