Valencia Bullfighting Tradition Alive and Well

Bullfighting is very much alive and well in Valencia.but it lacks colour and spectacle. The third and final
Although no longer a regular event, it is still fairlyevent is the Novillada known as the "poor man's
popular and their are three seasons held during thecorrida". Novice matadors fight young bulls in a
year. It is a deeply traditional event in Spain and thejuvenile version of traditional "corrida de toros". The
events are often linked to religious dates during thetickets are much cheaper! In Valencia it is mostly the
year. The Spring Season is held during Las Fallas inmore traditional Corrida de Toros that take place.
March and the Summer Season corresponds with theAll the events in Valencia are staged in the incredible
Feria de Julio in July. The Autumn Season is about toPlaza de Toros which is situated next to the train
kick off as it takes place in October. Very much astation. In the style of a Roman Amphitheater it
ritualized tradition in Spain, bull fighting is ingrained inattracts visitors from all over the world. When the
Spanish culture. The Torreros (the bull fightersbull ring is not being used for bull fights, it is the
themselves) enjoy the same status as a footballvenue for various musical and cultural events
player does in other parts of the world. Fame andthroughout the year. It is possible to have a look at
fortune are bestowed upon them with endorsementsthe interior of the impressive building from the
from companies and plenty of press coverage.Museum Taurino which is open all year.
There are three types of bull fight. The mostThere are pressure groups calling for a nationwide
traditional is the Corrida de Toros which is the biggestban of bullfighting wanting it declared a backward
spectacle and certainly most colourful event. Thebarbarity. While there are far fewer spectacles than
most experienced and famous matadors fight a bullthere once were, but it is still very much a celebrated
on foot, aided by three helpers on foot and two oncultural event in Spain. The bulls themselves are
horses. The second event is the Corrida de Rejonesglorified and honoured with those fighting the hardest
which sees the matador fight the bull from his horsethought of as extremely rare and noble.
unaided. The mastery of the horse rider is impressive