Bullfighting is a sport that has
existed in various forms since time immemorial. The oldest
reference to bullfighting has been found in Crete in a wall
painting that dates back to 2000 BC. The painting depicts both
males and females grappling with a bull. The sport was popular
in ancient Rome too. It was also very popular with the Moors
from North Africa. They added skill to it by confronting the
bulls while seated on horses. With time, men on foot were also
brought in. They would use their capes to draw the bull’s
attention and thus help those seated on the horses to position
the bulls properly.
An event in bull fighting is referred to as a ‘corrida.’ One corrida
entails the participation of six bulls and three matadors. A time
span of fifteen minutes is allotted to each encounter. Prior to the
event, the matadors march through the ring prior in their
resplendent costumes, followed by their assistants.