‘We could lose our lives at any time’’: Young Bull Fighters Open Up On Horrifying Side Of Centuries Old Tradition

Bullfighting, a beloved symbol of Spanish culture, has been fiercely debated in recent years. Despite the government’s 2013 declaration of the activity as a national cultural heritage, a Socialist-led government aimed at discrediting bullfighting has excluded it from its youth culture voucher program. The age-old custom stands firmly behind centuries of pride and respect, and amidst the tide of advocacy against the bull sport, many question whether or not it has had any real impact on this contentious tradition.

Fundamentally, bullfighting has great significance for its supporters and opponents alike; even though many express enthusiasm for the sport, others outright reject it. Still, one thing is certain: Bullfighting is a source of both beauty and disruption.

The passion of bullfighting

The acoustics of La Malagueta sent a wave of tumultuous roars crashing across Málaga. The descending sun embraced the youthful, daring matadors, exuding the spirited optimism emanating from them. Manuel Petersen, mesmerized by his first encounter at the Escuela Taurina de Málaga, recollected: “At the beginning, what most caught my attention was the atmosphere, the color, the music, and the props.” A show of brilliance, strength, and fear played out as the valiant matador and the untamed bull went head to head. Bullfighting, an intricate art form, juggles the notion of creative freedom against the constant peril.

Rafael Quesada Gabrieli, a dauntless matador, is thoroughly familiar with the immense life lessons that bullfighting offers. “Bullfighting upholds many values, such as love and respect – for both the bull and other people. It teaches you to reach for your goals, to withstand stress and fear, and to live life with more intensity, as we could lose our lives at any time.” Despite the risks of this sport, the gratification brought by its passionate fabric is surely worth it. These matadors motivated by excellence take great pleasure in refining their expertise and relish the strengths that come with this intense yet rewarding exercise.

Bullfighting’s cultural significance and uncertain future

The bullfight, a bewitching entertainment that entices a select number of spectators despite its meager attendance rate of 5.9% in 2018-19, continues to sanctify its surroundings with its charm for the 57.8% of 15 to 19-year-olds who surge the arena rather than settling for a movie night.

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Young bullfighter David Fuentes, entrenched in a proud family heritage of matadors, is acutely conscious of the numerous repercussions of bullfighting on society. Fuentes avers, “Bullfighting generates so many jobs, from the people raising the cattle to the stall holders selling almonds outside the arenas. Cities and local businesses generate huge amounts of money from people visiting these events.” The expiration of bullfighting would, therefore, not only be a rending loss of cultural and symbolic affluence but also a potential cause of disruption for countless livelihoods.

Young bullfighters boldly stride onward with admirable tenacity despite the obstacles that inevitably arise on their bullfighting expeditions. Dedication reigns supreme as the matadors strive diligently to sustain the culture of bullfighting, proving that anything is within reach with enough ambition and hard work.

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