The Bullfighter
Every "matador" is a "Torero" (bullfighter) but not every torero is a matador. Below you will find a quick overview of the different types of toreros and their corresponding roles in a classic corrida.
Corrida de Toros
Aficionados International
Aficionados International is an English-language resource on the art and culture of the Corrida de Toros.
About Bullfighting
The Bull
The Spanish fighting bull, or toro de lidia, is a unique breed of bovine renowned for its exceptional bravery and beauty. The bull’s physical build and natural aggression make this breed appropriate for the bullfight due to its impressive strength as well as its natural instinct to charge (attack). Within the world of bullfighting the bull is seen as the main protagonist of the corrida and the King of the Fiesta, recognised worldwide as a symbol of bravery and resilience as well as the totem of Spanish culture.
What happens in a Bullfight?
Step by step explanation of what happens in a bullfight. The facts of what you will see when visiting a bullfight in Spain, Mexico or elsewhere.
What is Bullfighting ?
The English term “bullfighting” is generally used to describe what people familiar with the subject call a “Corrida de Toros”. This customary English translation is a misnomer, as it fails to identify the event clearly among a variety of bull-related events and activities and also falsely places the spectacle in the realm of sport.
Myths
View all myths
Bulls charge at the color red
Bulls are colour-blind. They react to movement. They react to movement. A fighting bull instinctively recognizes a jurisdiction within which it will attack everything that moves. This jurisdiction will contract and expand during the bull's performance in the ring; at times it can reach right across the width of the bullring, or be as close as a few centimetres away from his horns. A bullfighter or torero will have to learn to judge the distance from which the bull will attack at any given moment during his performance.
Bullfighting is a sport
Bullfighting is seen as a fine performance art rather than a competitive sport by its followers and performers. A Matador/a sees himself / herself as a performance artist rather than as an athlete.
What happens when a matador gets injured?
Contrary to popular belief a matador cannot really lose a bullfight as it is not a sport in the first place. Here is what happens when a Matador gets injured.
