# data[].attributes.headline
Bull fighting in Spain is one where I did not really know of or understand.  Now that I have learned a bit more about it seems that the the tradition is more of one where it is about celebration but throught the hardships of the animals, it seems to be cross animal rights. This tradition is one where it seems to divide alot of people into two sides. One of cultural preservation and another of animal rights. I wonder if there is a way for the tradition to evolve where it can appease both sides. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Bull fighting in Spain is one where I did not really know of or understand.  Now that I have learned a bit more about it seems that the the tradition is more of one where it is about celebration but throught the hardships of the animals, it seems to be cross animal rights. This tradition is one where it seems to divide alot of people into two sides. One of cultural preservation and another of animal rights. I wonder if there is a way for the tradition to evolve where it can appease both sides. 

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/john-mclellan-bullfights-are-horribly-gripping-and-unjustifiably-compelling-1-4773212

# data[].attributes.body
I never really did understand what the purpose of bullfighting was all about. Of course through film, this event seemed glamorized by media and to make it look like it was an okay thing participate and watch in Spain. I do like the way that bullfighting is being taken into consideration for the animals involved. Just like the human race, animals are also a part of the world we live in.  Although it's not fully banned, some who are set on the tradition are the ones wanting to hold on to it. It's understandable of how this long gone tradition is what made Spain, but sometimes traditions don't hold with every new year that comes. Wanting to know what exactly it is that goes on in Bullfighting, I found this article that gives a step by step description of what goes on. I do see that it is much of an art for the Matadors, Banderilleros, and toreros. When it comes to the Matadors turn, he performs the art of being able to dominate the worn out bull. Throughout this whole process of what each group does in Bullfighting, the reward for the Matadors were either one ear of the bull, both ears, and both ears along with the tail.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The traditional and most common format of a Corrida sees three matadors alternating in order, to face and ultimately kill six bulls over the course of roughly two and a half hours. This format is followed for bullfighting in Spain, Mexico, France and other countries with this tradition.

The proceedings will open with the paséillo or the opening parade. The three matadors will enter the ring together with their cuadrillas, their support crews of banderilleros and picadors. The parade also features the arena workers who smooth out the sand between bulls, and the mules which will remove the dead bull at the end of each performance.

In the parade the toreros will march across the ring towards the "Palco Presidencial", the judges' box, where the "presidente", a judge officiating the event, stands and salutes the parade as they reach his side of the ring. The president is the chief assessor of the bullfight, who is assisted by an artistic advisor as well as a veterinarian; his role is to preside over and judge the spectacle.The matadors, the star performers of the afternoon, somewhat akin to being the frontman of their band of toreros, can usually be distinguished by their wearing a suit of lights with gold embroidery. The banderilleros will wear suits with either silver or black adornments.

After the parade, the most senior matador on the card, the one who has been confirmed in the office of full matador for the longest period of time, takes position behind the barrier facing opposite of the toril, the gate from which the bull will enter the arena in order to begin the action.

A corrida is divided into three thirds or "tercios". The tercios are announced with the playing of drums and trumpets, which sound at the command of the President.

FIRST THIRD - THE BULL'S ENTRANCE AND THE ACT OF THE LANCES

The first bull will enter the ring through the gate and the matador and his team will immediately begin to test and asses the bull's reactions and condition. All toreros will be carrying a capote at this point, a large cape that is usually managed with both hands.

The fabric is traditionally fuchsia and yellow in color, although some bullfighters, out of superstition, use a fuchsia and purple, or fuchsia and blue cape, as yellow is considered to be unlucky. The size of the cape varies between 113cm and 123cm depending on the height of the bullfighter, and weighs between 4kg - 6kg.

The matador will step into the ring to open his performance officially and begin to try and craft an opening to his creative work by performing stylistically charged opening passes and to take control of the bull. The work with the capote is often seen as one of the most visually appealing parts of the bullfight and has gained in importance in the crowd's perception over recent decades. The basic and most classic pass performed during this phase is the "veronica": each bullfighter tries to give a personal interpretation of this pass. The pass can be performed with an open or closed stance, and ranges from the more technical oriented to a more expressive interpretation of the basic movement. Many critics hail the veronicas' of matador Morante de La Puebla as the best artistic version of the pass of anyone currently active, while Julian Lopéz El Juli is often cited as an example of technical precision when executing the pass.

Once the matador has taken control of the bull, the President will indicate for the picadors to enter the ring. A picador is a bullfighter on horseback, who uses a lance to inflict injury to the large lifting muscle on top of the bull's neck, the "morrillo". Every matador employs two Picadors.

When bullfighting began, the picadors were the protagonists of the bullfight, and for this reason they are the only toreros apart from the matadors who are allowed to wear gold embroidery on their jackets. The lance used is no more than 270cm in length, with a short, pyramid-pointed spike no more than 2.9cm long.

Once the picadors have positioned themselves on opposite sides of the ring, the matador will ideally position the bull close to the center of the ring facing the picador who is further away from the gate where they entered the ring. The picador's horse wears a protective coat in order to shield it from injury by the bull's horns. The horse also has the right eye covered, allowing the picador to control the horse without it panicking as the bull approaches. The picador then begins to provoke the bull, by means of movement and voice, into attacking the horse. As the bull charges into the horse he will attempt to withstand the charge by placing his lance into the large shoulder muscle called the morrillo. A truly brave bull needs very little encouragement to charge.

The act of the lances serves multiple purposes. It gives the crowd and the breeder an opportunity to assess the bull's braveness and reaction under duress, with the desired reaction being a more focused charge and aggression as the bull experiences an intense emission of endorphins. And while the injuries inflicted do not greatly trouble the bull, they usually lead to it carrying its head slightly lower which will factor into the matador's performance in the third and final tercio.

This process is usually repeated between 1-3 times, depending on the category of the bullring, the physical reaction of the bull and the matador's assessment of the changes in the animal's behaviour. In between the different "pics" the matador will often lure the bull back towards the center of the ring in order to perform further cape passes. The intention of the passes at this stage will be in order to measure the effect of the previous "pic", to further display his art, or a combination of the two.

Classic artistic passes performed during this phase include "chicuelinas" (as seen in the photo below), "gaoneras" or personal trademark passes like Julian Lopéz El Juli's "lopecina".

If during this phase of the proceedings the bull displays any sort of physical impediment, such as issues with its vision, weak legs or any other sign of weakness or injury, he can be rejeceted and leaves the ring upon which a replacement bull will be sent into the ring.

As the picadors leave the ring, the matador and his "banderilleros" as well as knowledgeable members of the crowd, will have a good perception of the quality of the bull and its potential for a rounded and artistically valuable performance in conjunction with the matador.

SECOND THIRD: ACT OF THE BANDERILLAS

As the trumpets sound again, they signal the beginning of the second third, the act of the banderillas. Normally this phase is performed by each matador's group of banderilleros in turn, with the matador observing the proceedings from nearby in order to further study the bull. However, on occasion, it is the matador himself who will place the "banderillas". These matadors are known as "toreros-banderilleros".

The banderillas are straight sticks made of wood, 70cm in length, with a 4cm blade on one end. The blade serves to fix the banderilla in the bull's skin. The banderillas are placed in pairs into the muscle on the top of the bull's shoulders. On most occasions three pairs will be placed to complete the tercio. The banderillas are placed by provoking the bull to charge face on. As the bull approaches, the banderillero runs in a curved line towards the bull, and at the point at which the bull and the banderillero cross paths, he leans over the horns to place the banderillas, avoiding being caught or seriously gored by the bull.

Matadors who place their own banderillas often move away from the classic, functional "al cuarteo" - style of placing the sticks and display more varied and flamboyant techniques, to incorporate the banderillas as an important element in their overall performance. The matador currently best known for his placement of banderillas is El Fandi, for whom this part is often the mainstay of his performance.

Besides being a showcase of skill and courage, the banderillas often serve another purpose also, encouraging the bull to engage in long charges again, as the charges sometimes become shorter during the first third after its encounter with the horse. This phase also gives the matador a final chance to assess the bull and its behavioural tendencies and movement before the final act.

FINAL THIRD: THE MULETA AND THE MOMENT OF TRUTH

The final third is the longest and most iconic phase of the bullfight. It is the matador's one-on-one encounter with the bull during which he employs the famous one-handed red cape.

The "muleta" is smaller than the capote and is made of a red, more lightweight fabric. The fabric is mounted on a wooden stick, the "palillo" or "estaquillador", which gives shape and rigidity to the muleta. The matador will also carry an imitation sword, made of either wood or aluminum, which is used to extend the fabric and increase the size of the cape when giving right-handed passes . This will later be exchanged for a real killing sword made of tempered steel.

The" faena", the performance with the muleta, is the main part of the matador's artistic display. During the faena the matador will strive to display an aesthetically and technically coherent performance which will culminate in the "moment of truth", the killing of the bull.

Faenas are often initiated by the matador passing the bull in parallel lines across his body. The matador will have his feet together and straight, and only moves as, the bull turns around to repeat its charge, slowly moving it towards the center of the ring. Others prefer to open their performance in the center of the ring. French matador Sebastian Castella is famous for his stoic, opening pendulum passes, switching the pass, and passing the charging bull behind his back.

After the parallel opening a classical faena with a bull which is collaborating well can be described as being structured in the same way as a piece of classical music. The matador will strive to link a sequence of verse-like series of 4-5 passes, each one building in intensity and finished with a flourish or "remate", such as the chest pass. The passes will force the bull to curve around the matador's body in a circular fashion, only to be released into a parallel line of charge again, and away from the matador's body at the end of each series of passes.

Passes are either performed with the muleta in the right hand, called "derechazos" or right-handed passes, or with the cape in the left hand called "naturales", (because the cape is not being extended by the sword and falls into its natural shape).

These passes will vary from matador to matador in the posture adopted, speed, fluidity of movement, rhythm, angle of the cape, how they are linked to each other, and other factors.

Through this, and depending on the level of apparent collaboration with the bull that the matador can achieve, he will attempt to evoke an emotive reaction in the crowd, making them connect with his performance.

During his encounter with the bull, the torero is dependent on his understanding of the bull and its behavioural tendencies, adapting his performance to changes in the bull's movement and its physical condition. Often the ending of a faena will see the torero employ shorter passes, positioning himself right in front of the animal and displaying total dominance of the bull.

From the moment the trumpet sounds to signal the beginning of the final act, the matador has ten minutes to carry out his performance. If he does not kill the bull within this time-frame, a warning will sound granting him a further three minutes to finish the performance before a second time warning. He then has a further two minutes, but once the third time warning has sounded, the matador must withdraw, and the bull is returned to the pens for slaughter. Hearing the third warning is a rare occurrence and may be considered a moment of great chagrin for a matador, because he has failed to kill the bull.

When the matador feels that the bull is ready, he will walk to the barrier to exchange his aluminum sword for the real killing sword. His goal now is to dispatch the bull in the most effective manner possible. This moment is also called the "moment of truth" or the "suerte suprema".

The most common technique used for the kill is the volapie. For this the matador will position himself in front of the animal, directly between the horns and, presenting the muleta to the bull with his left hand, he will then encourage the bull to lower its head, and to focus on the muleta. In a combined movement, often accompanied by a loud vocal outcry, breaking the silence of a bullring that has fallen quiet in anticipation of the final act of the performance; the matador will then move the muleta to invite the bull to attack, while at the same time taking a step towards the bull. As bull and matador come together, he will place the sword high up between the bull's shoulders, using his right hand.

There are two positions from which to execute this manoeuvre, one is called "natural" and the other "contraria". From the natural position, the bull will leave the encounter towards the center of the ring with the torero exiting the towards the fence - this is typically used with bulls that are still very brave and forthcoming with their charge towards the end of the faena. From the "contraria" position, the bull will leave the encounter towards the barrier, with the torero exiting towards the center of the ring - this is typically used with bulls which have slightly withdrawn, or have begun to defend a narrow area of territory.

The goal of the sword trust is to sever the aorta, with a successful attempt often bringing the bull to the ground within moments of the matador having entered for the kill. If a bull is still on its feet after a sword entry, and seems physically incapable of charging for another entry, the matador will change to a sword with a small cross bar towards the end of a short, thick blade. With the bull's head lowered this sword is then used to dispatch the bull immediately, by cutting the spinal cord about four finger-widths behind the head. If successful the bull will instantly collapse with the crowd rising to their feet applauding, and in case of a successful performance, showing their appreciation of the work of the matador.

The number of attempts to kill the bull and the effectiveness of the bullfighter in dispatching the animal in a swift and elegant manner weigh heavily on the overall evaluation of a matador's performance. The momentum of a beautiful and captivating performance can easily be lost by repeated failure with the sword.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND TROPHIES

After the bull's death the matador will return to the barrier in order to wash his hands and take some refreshment. A team of mules will enter the ring to eventually remove the bull from the ring to the ring's abattoir.

Before this, in those cases of a strong performance by the matador, the crowd will now be on their feet waving white handkerchiefs towards the President's box. This is because they are petitioning for the matador to receive a trophy - either one of the bull's ears, both ears or in rare cases both ears and the bull's tail, which is the highest honor that can be awarded. The tail is not unusual in minor events, but the Madrid bullring for example has not seen one in over 40 years. Lesser performances can simply be rewarded with applause or a standing ovation.

The first ear, according to the official regulations covering the bullfight, must be awarded if the majority of the audience requests it, the award of the second ear (whether or not the public continue to request it) is at the sole discretion of the President. The level of performance needed in order to obtain trophies depends very much on the standard of each individual bullring. A performance that will be granted both ears and a tail in a small village might not even be worth a single ear in Madrid or Seville.

The President can also decide to award the bull a lap of honor, with the crowd standing and applauding the animal as it is dragged around the circuit, and then out of the ring. In rare cases where an animal displays exceptional qualities and bravery, it may be spared and allowed to return to the ranch as a breeding animal; this is seen as an extraordinary success for the matador, as he has successfully showcased the animal's qualities and true character.

If the matador is granted trophies he will take a lap of honor around the ring, thanking the public for his awards. After this first bull, the second most senior matador will perform with the second bull of the day. This is followed by the newest matador on the card with the third bull, and then repeated in order as each matador faces their second bull of the afternoon.

If one of the matadors is injured at any time during the proceedings and cannot physically continue, the next senior matador on the card will assume his responsibilities, and perform with the injured colleague's animals in his place.

After the death of the last animal of the day, those matadors who have cut two ears or more are carried out on shoulders through the main gate of the ring. Those who have been less successful will walk out through the gate at their original entry point accompanied by their banderilleros.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The traditional and most common format of a Corrida sees three matadors alternating in order, to face and ultimately kill six bulls over the course of roughly two and a half hours. This format is followed for bullfighting in Spain, Mexico, France and other countries with this tradition.

# data[].attributes.body
When I was younger I always thought bullfighting and the running of the bulls was such an interesting cultural phenomenon, but I didn't understand why it was so controversial until I grew older. After reading the articles this week, I couldn't believe that these traditions were still allowed; especially the running of the bulls since dozens of people are injured each year and a handful even killed. It angered me to read how the bulls were treated as well, and I do support those who protest against these events. However, it's difficult to offer my opinion about a culture that is not my own... I feel that traditions are so important to keeping culture alive but I also believe there is a line between continuing tradition and recognizing the harmful effects caused by these historic practices. While browsing the internet, I discovered that a modified version of Spain's running of the bulls takes place in New Orleans. The attire is still the same but instead of running from real bulls, participants run from the local derby girls carrying plastic bats. Below is the link that describes it more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The 12th Annual Running of the Bulls celebrations in New Orleans takes place this year from July 13-15, 2018. Each year the Crescent City hosts its own version of Spain's Encierro de Pamploma.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading the different articles relating to the tradition of bull fighting, my view on the 'sport' really changed. I always thought of it as merely a tradition that is beautiful and helps keep culture alive within the Spanish roots. However, I see that this can also be viewed as abuse towards the animals. I completely understand wanting to follow traditions because personally, its a way for me to relate to my culture being so far away from home and from my parents but that doesn't mean traditions always need to be exactly the same as they were before. For example, gladiators and the Roman olympics don't exist anymore. We have The Olympics, which encompasses the idea of competition but with regulations and safety policies/rules for the sports. The idea that this tradition is used to bring in tourists because it's one of the main attractions/stereotypes people think of when they think of Spain, is a crude use of an excuse to value tradition when they really just value cash flow. I also believe that the safety of fellow citizens should not be put at risk for one specific day in the year. Not to be too extreme but I find myself comparing it to the movie, The Purge, where all laws are not in effect for 12 hours.
I wanted to share this article to show that if professionals are still getting hurt, why put untrained citizens at risk?
https://www.rt.com/news/432352-spanish-bullfighter-scalped-incident/

# data[].attributes.headline
Ultimately the Bull Fighting festival in Spain causes both safety risks for both the humans and animals involved. The bulls are the ones that ultimately sacrifice their lives while humans normally are able to participate without being injured or hurt. I think this “celebration” is one that does need to adjust, as this is inhumane or at the very least be toned down. I do think it is important to remember that these bulls that are killed do not just go to waist. Traditionally the meat of these animals are given to the poor as a way of showing them that their community is willing to take care of them. Through these articles there is a lot of debate and even more protest about how we need to stop these bullfights. However I do feel like there needs to be compromise as this is a special event that holds a lot of culture but it also needs to be humane. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Ultimately the Bull Fighting festival in Spain causes both safety risks for both the humans and animals involved. The bulls are the ones that ultimately sacrifice their lives while humans normally are able to participate without being injured or hurt. I think this “celebration” is one that does need to adjust, as this is inhumane or at the very least be toned down. I do think it is important to remember that these bulls that are killed do not just go to waist. Traditionally the meat of these animals are given to the poor as a way of showing them that their community is willing to take care of them. Through these articles there is a lot of debate and even more protest about how we need to stop these bullfights. However I do feel like there needs to be compromise as this is a special event that holds a lot of culture but it also needs to be humane. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What would Spain be without bullfighting? Bereft of its finest cultural tradition, say supporters of the tradition known as "la lidia".

A normal 21st-Century European nation, argue those in favour of banning bullfights.

Spain is today a divided country over what is probably its most famous tradition to the rest of the world, alongside flamenco music.

Fans say la lidia remains part of Spain's national fabric, although the number of bullfights is dropping. They are toasting a constitutional court ruling last month that declared bullfighting part of Spain's "national heritage", thus overturning a ban imposed by the region of Catalonia.
Read more on Spain's bullfighting debate

Spanish court overturns Catalan ban

Thousands demand end to bullfighting

First matador killed by bull for 30 years

But animal rights campaigners believe they have the wind in their sails due to the prohibition of some bull-baiting festivals and the fact that several cities and regions are considering local bans despite the Catalan setback.

Where did it all start?

Bullfighting in some form or other has existed in Spain since at least Roman times, and the most typical current format involving a matador with a cape and sword took its definitive shape in the 18th Century.

"It's a cultural tradition. As something for which I risk my life for on a regular basis, it demands respect and bullfighting is going through a crucial time," says Juan Diego Vicente, current president of Spain's Bullfighters' Union (UT).

"It's a festival, a sacrificial ritual, a spectacle and a business. It's complex and riven with contradictions," explains Andres De Miguel, a journalist and writer from Madrid.

"You go to a bullfight in the hope of seeing beauty and those rare moments when the bullfighter attains the elevated state of an artist, but one who puts his life on the line for the spectacle."

Is bullfighting really on the way out?

According to government figures, only 9.5% of Spaniards went to a bullfighting event, either professional or amateur, in 2015.

"We are convinced that bullfighting is literally dying on its feet, and the prohibition that was achieved in Catalonia will become a reality in the rest of Spain," argues Silvia Barquero, leader of Pacma, the country's leading animal rights party.

Pacma attracted over a million votes in Spain's general election in June, although it failed to win any seats.

The total number of contests between men and bulls fell dramatically from 3,651 in 2007 to 1,736 last year.

But professional events were only down by 30% in the same eight-year period, which covers Spain's deep economic crisis and slow recovery.

How cruel is it?

"Society has undergone a fundamental change. Spaniards no longer identify with bullfights, but, on the contrary, they consider them to be grave cases of animal abuse," argues Ms Barquero.

But there is no compelling evidence that a majority of Spaniards want to ban bullfighting. Polling on the subject is infrequent, with most surveys that are undertaken bearing out a 2010 Metroscopia poll for El Pais newspaper in which 60% said they did not like bullfighting, but only 42% would impose a ban.

Bullfighter Juan Diego Vicente disputes the idea that his art is cruel.

He stresses that fighting bulls live unmolested in harmony with their natural surroundings until they can be fought at the age of four. Many of those who want to ban the spectacle "keep birds in cages and dogs in tiny apartments, cutting their tails and nails and curbing their animal identity", he claims.
How dangerous is bullfighting?
"None of us fans wants the bull to suffer; we want a quick death with a fine 'estocada' [final thrust of the sword]," says Andrew Moore, an Englishman resident in Madrid who has been converted to bullfighting.

However, he accepts bullfighting could be made more humane, by using an electric prong instead of a dagger to finish off a defeated bull when the sword has not worked correctly.

Then there is the fighting of calves, young bulls often under a year old, which have no long horns to keep amateur and child bullfighters at bay, an activity frequently denounced by Pacma.

Not just bullfighting

A world away from the lithe movements of a matador and the banderillero, who sinks barbed sticks into the sprinting bull's shoulders, millions of Spaniards take part in rowdy bull-running events such as Pamplona's world-famous San Fermin festival.

Such activities have largely escaped efforts to protect bulls from possible mistreatment.
Weighing up the risks at the running of the bulls
The 2010 Catalan ban on bullfighting allowed for the continuation of local running festivals -"correbous" - including a typical Catalan variant in which the animals have flaming torches attached to their horns.

Pacma has also called for a ban on events such as the "bous a la mar" festival in Denia on the Costa Blanca, where bulls are baited on the harbour wall until they leap into the Mediterranean.

Who else holds bullfights?

The battle for the future of bullfighting extends far beyond Spain.

There have been animal rights protests in Colombia, Peru and Mexico. And last month the mayors of France's six bullfighting towns complained to the national government about pressure from campaigners.

Bullfight supporters particularly object to outside pressure, from groups such as the UK's Peta and Humane Society International (HSI).

Joanna Swabe of HSI/Europe argues that "taunting and killing bulls for entertainment is a brutal anachronism [which] deeply tarnishes the modern image that Spain wishes to promote".

With Spain so divided over bullfighting, neighbouring Portugal may have hit on a non-lethal answer to the problem.

There, a mounted bullfighter uses horsemanship skills to plant "bandarilhas" which only wound the animal's shoulders before a group of men wrestle the bull to a standstill.

In Portugal the bull survives. In Spain it is bullfighting itself that faces extinction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What would Spain be without bullfighting? Bereft of its finest cultural tradition, say supporters of the tradition known as "la lidia". A normal 21st-Century European nation, argue those in favour of banning bullfights. Spain is today a divided country over what is probably its most famous tradition to the rest of the world, alongside flamenco music.

# data[].attributes.body
Reading one article after the next, it was relatively easy for me to empathize with both those protesting bull fighting and those who greatly value the tradition. A campaign by an animal rights group prompted the banning of bullfighting in Catalonia, Spain in 2010. The article by USA Today, quoted a poll from that time which showed that 60% of Spaniards said they didn't like bullfighting, while 57% also said they opposed the ban because it was a rejection of Spanish tradition. The ban has since been overturned by Spain's constitutional court. I believe it's possible to hold multiple values at once, even though they may be conflicting or even contradictory to one another.

This article by Time Magazine is about the sexual abuse and animal rights protesters at this year's festival. I hadn't heard so much about the problems of sexual abuse and even murder during the nine day long celebration. The article also touched on how local businesses might be affected by the loss of the longtime bullfighting tradition.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Feminists, Animal Rights Groups Reshape Pamplona Bull Fest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Topics of sexual abuse and animal cruelty are dominating this year's San Fermin festival in Pamplona, which kicks off Friday

# data[].attributes.body
I am completely against this treatment of these animals. Tradition does not hold up when it comes to hurting a living creature for sport and fun. I believe the protesters need to keep growing in numbers and making their voices heard. The running of the bulls and the bullfighting needs to stop altogether. The article where Hollander stated that he thought the bulls had a majestic life and should be honored to die at the hands of a matador is just ridiculous. No creature should be proud to be killed by a human for fun and for entertainment. Those standing up for Spanish tradition feel that they are in the right, but why does hurting the bulls have anything to do with the Saint? The event was created for sport and fun, not because the Saint had anything to truly do with bulls. When it comes to tradition, no tradition is more important than causing pain or death upon another living thing. Change the event, change it where bulls are not treated like they are. http://best8851.check-moneypocket91.loan/?utm_medium=NQ3aDvyuBCtafRQJPeFC66tm%2bMNW8T%2baflxP0d0AJGo%3d&t=main4 I have attached an article about a group that is advocating for bullfighting and the running to remain, one of their reasons that they are for it is because the bulls are treated better and have longer lives because they are groomed for these events.

# data[].attributes.body
During my childhood and even before taking this class, bullfighting was one of the shows that I really wanted to go and watch. However, these articles changed my view. Honestly, I don’t feel right about it anymore. People tend to look at the topics such as bullfighting from different sides. So, it is expected to see people with different ideas. Some may like it, and some people may hate it. For me personally, I don’t like to, and I think it is not fair to suffer animals.

On the other hand, I am not from Spain, and I don’t know what the actual people of Spain think about bullfighting. I read that the Spanish Prime Minister support bullfighting. It is hard for Spanish to ban bullfighting if the prime minister supports the bullfighting. I think one of the reasons that Spanish politicians support bullfighting is the fact that bullfighting attracts lots of tourists every year. Stopping this tradition may have the financial disadvantages for Spain. The article that I found on the internet has the same information as the other 4 articles. However, there is a short video at the end of the article that shows the death of the bull is extended and very painful, making it unnecessarily cruel.
https://soapboxie.com/social-issues/arguments-for-and-against-bullfighting

# data[].attributes.body
I learned about bullfighting in Spain several years ago and as someone who doesn't enjoy seeing animals suffer it made me sad that the tradition has lived on. I understand the important of tradition in culture but there are many traditions that have died society realized they were actually barbaric. Of course many Spaniards still enjoy the tradition of bullfighting and I think they probably don't think the bull suffers that much or perhaps they think it's acceptable because it is part of their history. In Rome they used to have gladiators, but that is no longer an acceptable tradition. The article I found was about why Bulls charge when they see the Matador's red cape (capote). Bull's in fact cannot see red, and they charge because they are irritated by the back and forth motion.
https://www.livescience.com/33700-bulls-charge-red.html

# data[].attributes.body
I found that the article regarding people of Spain protesting the running of the bulls to be interesting. I have always known of the running of the bulls but never much more beyond the fact that it existed. I didn’t know much about the history or why it was something people still did. It made me wonder how many people get hurt at these events and like the article states since 1924 15 have died. I actually found this number to be lower than I expected. After reading how many people are injured/die, I wondered how many bulls are harmed in this event. I did a google search and found an article that explains how many bulls die each year due to bull fighting events like the running of the bulls. After reading, it was understandable why people and organizations are protesting events like these. I feel like it could still be called the running of the bulls, and there can still be many of the traditional aspects they keep, but they could make some alterations that eliminate the bull fights and people running alongside them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Every year, approximately 250,000 bulls are killed in bullfights. The animals are stabbed multiple times before suffering slow, agonizing deaths in front of an audience, including children. Animal cruelty is not entertainment. You can help by not attending bullfights.

Bullfights are not "fair fights" between a bull and a matador, but highly staged forms of animal cruelty, sanctioned and subsidized by governments. These outdated spectacles perpetuate the idea that injuring and killing an animal for amusement is acceptable. With attendance at an all-time low and bans enacted by several countries and cities, bullfighting is on the decline; yet events still take place in Spain, France, Portugal, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico. HSI is focusing in particular on ending government use of public funds to support the bullfighting industry. In addition, we are working to end child bullfighting.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bullfighting : Humane Society International

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every year, approximately 250,000 bulls are killed in bullfights. The animals are stabbed multiple times before suffering slow, agonizing deaths in front of an audience, including children. Animal cruelty is not entertainment. You can help by not attending bullfights.

# data[].attributes.body
Like the previous posts, I would like to note that I am not Spanish. Therefore, I believe I can't create an opinion that's not truly informed on the topic. The tradition of the bull running I find it interesting. However, there are dangerous aspects to the tradition. I can only form opinions based on what I read in which, I don't have a strong opinion on it but rather seemingly neutral. It seems dangerous but if people want to participate, I guess why not? Though, in a recent article I found, I gain insight on an estimate of the number of people that get injured during the event of bull running. It ranged between 50 to100 people that get hurt from the event and it's uncommon for participants to be gored by the bulls but it had happened in the past. While bullfighting, there's the matter of a cultural perspective and the treatment of an animal. I lean towards more to the animals' rights but I do see the views of both sides.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5922815/Pamplona-bull-run-2018-need-know-San-Fermins-Running-Bulls-festival.html

# data[].attributes.body
First of all, I learned a lot from the articles and learned about things I didn't really know before. Like Amy and Cloyne have said, I am not Spanish as well so I too cannot make a fully informed opinion on the entire matter. Because I have only read articles and heard stories of the bullfighting and running with the bulls, I don't have all of the facts, perspectives, etc. However, I have always been interested by the running of the bulls and it is on my bucket list to do. But I do not agree with the tormenting of the actual bulls. I found the New York Times article to be actually a very interesting read, but once it got towards the end I wasn't such a big fan. I can see both sides of the matter. The one side of being against it because of the torture and cruelty, but I also see the side where it has been around for years and it is part of the culture. I think that there needs to be maybe more regulations on the entire situation, like they both already said, compromise is key. I chose this link because it shows the recent festivities for 2018. https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/08/europe/running-of-the-bulls-injuries/index.html

# data[].attributes.body
Like everyone says I am not also Spanish and cannot judge their culture with superficial knowledges of bullfighting. To me, the bullfighting looks very interesting because it is not usual culture in the world. Moreover, when I imagine bullfighting, there are fast music, and excited people, and strong matador. It sounds very excited, on the other hand, while I was reading many articles, I have learned it has been many problems. Primarily, I do not agree to kill bull for entertainment even though it is culture. Moreover, there are many people get hurts because of bullfighting. The history of bullfighting is very long, but now we need to think about how people abuse animals for fun. I found an interesting article which is talking about three different stages of bullfight.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Matador leading a bull (Photo: el fandi-288a image by Paco Ayala from Fotolia.com )

Bullfighting is an iconic tradition in Spain and one of the defining cultural characteristics of this Iberian nation. Deplored by some and adored by others, bullfighting is a bloody and violent spectacle that straddles the boundaries between art and brutality. Spanish bullfighting was first brought to the attention of the Western world in Ernest Hemingway's novel "A Sun Also Rises." It remains a curious attraction for many travelers in Spain, despite the ongoing disputes between moral activists and die-hard bullfighting aficionados.

History

According to "Frommer's Travel Guide," bullfighting in Spain traces its origins to 711 A.D., with the first official bullfight, or "corrida de toros," being held in honor of the coronation of King Alfonso VIII. Once part of the Roman Empire, Spain owes its bullfighting tradition in part to gladiator games. At first, bullfighting was done on horseback and was reserved for Spanish aristocracy, but King Felipe V ended this trend because he believed it was in poor taste for nobles to practice such a bloody sport. Commoners continued to develop bullfighting on foot with smaller weapons. The art of dodging and stabbing the bull grew into its present form around 1724, and matadors today still cling to a traditionally strict code of conduct.

The oldest bullring in Spain is located in the southern town of Ronda, but cities like Madrid, Seville and Pamplona also have a rich bullfighting legacy and some of the largest rings in the world.

About the Author

David Thyberg began his writing career in 2007. He is a professional writer, editor and translator. Thyberg has been published in various newspapers, websites and magazines. He enjoys writing about social issues, travel, music and sports. Thyberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with a certificate in Spanish and Latin American studies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bullfighting is an iconic tradition in Spain and one of the defining cultural characteristics of this Iberian nation. Deplored by some and adored by others, bullfighting is a bloody and violent spectacle that straddles the boundaries between art and brutality. Spanish bullfighting was first brought to the attention of ...

# data[].attributes.body
I'm going to follow Amy's post and mention that I am not Spanish and I too feel like I can't make a full formed opinion on this issue. But I do think the readings were interesting and gave me insight into the struggle between animal rights and the Spanish tradition. This kind of clashing can go for a lot of issues we face around the world. I do think however, that the bull runs are dangerous but it seems like a tradition that some people enjoy. If they are willing to take the risk and have fun in doing so, I say let them. As for the bull fights, I understand both sides of the feud. People do not want to let go of a tradition as they shouldn't, but maybe there is a better way to bull fight and some changes could be made. As Amy mentioned, there is always a compromise that could be made. I chose to share this article because I think it would be good to know how this tradition came about.

# data[].attributes.body
Because I am not Spanish and I only know a little about the history of Bullfighting, I feel like I cannot make a truly informed decision on the subject. Based on the article that we read, I can see that this is a hot topic in Spain and that here are many people that are against the killing of the bulls for sport. I do not find the idea of killing a bull or going to see a bull being killed appealing in any way. And I believe that there are always ways to compromise when it comes to subjects such as this one. I chose this article because that is exactly what they did. Bullfighting was not banned but certain aspects of the fight were.  Maybe this will be the future of bullfighting in Spain. However, although it is a great compromise, there are still some people that are strongly fighting against any form of compromise based on the traditional background of the bull fight.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Spain's Balearic Islands on Monday passed a law to make bullfighting shorter and bloodless, in a decision that was praised by animal rights groups but could face legal challenges by conservatives.

A group of left-wing parties in the regional parliament approved the "Balearic-style bullfighting" law, which also bans alcoholic beverages and children under 18 in the bullring.

The law bans "sharp implements that can injure and/or kill the bull" and also limits the time that each bull spends in the ring from 30 to 10 minutes. Bullfighters and animals will also be required to take anti-doping tests.

The more than 100 year-old Fornalutx bull run will also be restricted by prohibiting bulls from being roped and prodded through the streets.
Compassion or assault on culture?
Animal rights groups praised the new law. "This vote shows that a full ban is not strictly necessary to end the practice of bullfighting, and that compassion can win the day where there is strong public and political will to end animal cruelty," said Joanna Swabe of global animal rights group Humane Society International.

Critics say the new law will effectively ban bullfighting by making it difficult to attract spectators.

An insurance requirements and fines if animals get hurt or anyone under age 18 are caught in the bullring also place undo restrictions, critics say.

The conservative People's Party, the party of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, strongly opposed the measure as an assault on Spanish culture and traditions.

"It's a law made treacherously to ban our culture," People's Party deputy Miquel Jerez said.

Jerez said the party would seek to reverse the law, arguing that it is against provisions in Spanish law protecting bullfighting as an "intangible cultural heritage."

Last year, the Supreme Court shot down a 2010 ban on bullfighting in the semi-autonomous Catalonia region.

cw/kl (AFP, dpa, Reuters)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Spanish islands approve bloodless bullfighting | DW | 25.07.2017

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Spain's Balearic Islands on Monday passed a law to make bullfighting shorter and bloodless, in a decision that was praised by animal rights groups but could face legal challenges by conservatives. A group of left-wing parties in the regional parliament approved the "Balearic-style bullfighting" law, which also bans alcoholic beverages and children under 18 in the bullring.