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Sevilla
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Sevilla’s bullfight season begins on Easter Sunday with a corrida de toros that opens the Fería de Abril. The official Bullfight season in Andalucía runs from April to October (2). Corridas are held most weekends at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. in the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza on Paseo de Cristobal Colón near the Guadalquivir River. Witnessing a corrida, which includes at least five or six bullfights, is an experience you will never forget (2).
Bullfights are controversial, gruesome and seen as animal cruelty by many foreigners and Spaniards. Aficioandos de la corrida say that bullfighting is a traditional art form and bulls are bred for conflict in the ring. Supporters also say that bulls are honored by dying at the hands of the matador, or torero. Bullfighting is about many things—confrontation with death, bravery and skillful performance (2). Plaza de Toros Tours of the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza (95 422 45 77) are also available from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can see the ring, museum and mini-hospital. The building is also one of the oldest in Sevilla, constructed in 1758. Sevilla’s ring, along with the la corrida in Ronda, is one of the places where bullfighting on foot began in the 18th century. Guided tours of the plaza are scheduled every 20 minutes (2). |
La
Corrida de Toros
The
Controversy