Bullfighting Facts

Bullfighting is an arena sport that has its roots in Latin and European history. Although it faces harsh criticism these days, the sport continues to be played. A battle or wits and strength between man and bull, it is a rather barbaric sport, but it has also been heralded as a sort of art form.

  1. Identification

    • A bullfighting match is basically a showdown between a matador, or bullfighter, and a bull. The matador uses various close-range maneuvers to antagonize and anger the bull before attempting to kill it.

    Geography

    • Bullfighting is a traditional sport that comes out of Spain, Portugal, southern France and various Latin American countries. It has recently come to certain parts of the United States.

    Fatalities

    • Bullfighting is generally fatal for the bull, which is usually stabbed multiple times during a fight. It is also dangerous for the matador, and at one point so many were killed that the sport was almost banned by the French government.

    Culture

    • Bullfighting is most strongly tied with Spanish culture, and as such has much of its fan base in Spain. It represents style and finesse as well as shows the courage of the matador.

    Opposition

    • Bullfighting faces strong opposition by animal rights groups, calling it a form of abuse. The bulls often face a slow and painful death.