| Bullfighting is the oldest sport in all of Spain. To some, | | | | sacrificed bulls to honor their gods. One of the first |
| it is a much-loved national pastime; to others, it | | | | formal bull fights occurred in the 11th century. |
| invites huge controversy. The ongoing battle | | | | In medieval times, Spanish aristocrats jousted bulls |
| between supporters and opponents garners as much | | | | while on horseback. Spanish peasants of the same |
| attention and passion as the sport itself. People either | | | | era started the tradition of fighting the bull on foot. |
| love it or hate it. There doesn't seem to be any | | | | Formal bullfighting rings became an integral part of |
| middle ground. | | | | Spanish culture in the 18th century and led to the |
| Supporters of bullfighting revere it is an art form. It is | | | | bullfighting traditions that still exist today. |
| regarded as an intensely spiritual experience that | | | | In the early 20th century, American author Ernest |
| represents the battles between man and nature and | | | | Hemingway revered bullfighting and brought it into |
| man and himself. Opponents condemn the practice as | | | | the homes of the world through his writings. |
| an abomination that turns civilized members of | | | | Hemingway saw bullfighting as man's ultimate |
| society into nothing more than barbarians. Those who | | | | challenge. For many of his readers, this became their |
| despise the practice believe it is animal cruelty at its | | | | accepted view of the sport. The bullfight is the focus |
| most extreme. They believe it should be banned all | | | | of hundreds of national and local fiestas which occur |
| over the world. | | | | annually. |
| Controversy surrounding bullfighting is intense. Even | | | | The battles between supporters and opponents of |
| the Spanish royal family is divided in their opinions. | | | | bullfighting have resulted in many bull rings now |
| The queen despises the sport and refuses to be | | | | retaining a local veterinarian during the fights. When |
| present or have any part of the events. The king is | | | | the veterinarian determines that the bull has suffered |
| seen on occasion officiating in the royal box as part | | | | enough, he signals the officials, who then signal the |
| of his duties. The princess is often seen | | | | matador to bring the fight to an end. This is similar to |
| accompanying her father in the royal box; other | | | | the practice used in rodeos all over the world today. |
| times, she views the fights from the general seating | | | | In most cases, spectators are unaware that such |
| areas. | | | | monitoring is even taking place. They likely do not |
| Bullfighting exists in many countries. For some people, | | | | care, as long as they witness a good show before |
| it is a way of life and a celebrated tradition. Parts of | | | | the fight is stopped. |
| Spain have banned bullfighting since approximately | | | | Bullfighting attracts audiences from all walks of life |
| 2004, but still many people believe it is a | | | | and from all over the world. Some come for the |
| time-honored tradition that should continue. | | | | tradition and some for the spectacle. With its |
| Bullfighting can be traced to prehistoric times when | | | | celebration of centuries of custom and tradition, |
| bulls were worshipped and sacrificed. More than 4,000 | | | | bullfighting continues to be a time-honored practice |
| years ago, art depicted Crete's athletes leaping over | | | | throughout Spain. |
| the backs of charging bulls. Early settlers in Spain | | | | |