Ebullfighting

Azores bullfighting

                                Terceira, ( along with a few other islands ), is well known for bullfight by the rope ( Touradas á corda ).
                                This very special event is unique to the Azores, and has been practiced since 16th Century. From May to
                                October there will be about 250 events on the Azores. The bull is let loose with a very long rope around its neck,
                                usually at the main road in a small village. Before every bull is getting out of a wooden crate, there will be
                                launched a small rocket which makes a loud noise. This signal indicates, that there is a bull on the street,
                                and the game is ready to begin. The bull is guided by several experienced men, keeping a grip at the rope.
                                The whole idea is, that the local young men now try to get as close to the bull as they dare, teasing the bull
                                which is getting agitated. All this game is very amusing and dangerous, and in a way also an attempt for the
                                local boys to impress the local girls.

                               After a while the bull is taken back to the wooden crate as it arrived in, and another rocket will be launched,
                               announcing a break in the game. Now it's time to move around, have something to eat, a drink ( or several ),
                               or leave the village.

                               This is an outstanding local event, and attracts many many people. As a tourist you should arrive in due time.
                               Find a secure place with a good view. Usually there iare a total of 3-4 bulls in every event. To find out where and
                               when this event take place, ask the tourist office or at the local bar. Every local knows.

                               If there is bullfighting in the arena when you are there, you really must go there and try to get a ticket. There
                               are bullfighter arenas on Terceira and Graciosa. It's a great opportunity to watch bullfight in another way than the
                             Spanish. The bull is not to be killed. The Toreador will place small " blades " on the back of the bull like in Spain,
                               but only until a certain point in the game.

                             Then 6-7 other men enter the arena. One of them walks bravely and slowly towards the bull. Now the bull starts
                             running fast directly against this man to attack him. Just before the bull is hitting the man in the belly, he grab
                               around the bulls neck with both arms, trying to stop the bull. Now the other men stand behind him, preventing
                             him from falling. One man grabbing the bulls tail, forcing the bull turning round, and makes the bull stand still.
                             To get the bull out of the arena, 3-4 cows now enter the arena. Of cause that interests the bull, who now follows the
                             cows out of the arena.

That's all. Hard to understand?. Well, it's hard to explain ! I find it very amusing to watch, and I can warmly recom-
mend to go and see it. It's far more human to watch than Spanish bullfighting.

After the game is over, the bull is taken to the vet to be taken care of. After this the bull continue its normal life in the
countryside.