(click on pics for a bigger view)

I happen to be in (very) sunny Spain currently enjoying a family holiday due to my mum coming up to the Northern Hemisphere to spend some time with her offspring. Spent a couple of days in Seville and happened to be there when a bullfight was on at their big arena. Armed with my camera and a 100-400mm lens, I entered the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza not completely knowing what to expect. For those who haven’t had the pleasure (??) it’s an incredibly brutal and one sided affair. The bulls really have no chance whatsoever. Certainly not for the faint hearted.

However, on this occasion one of the bulls managed to get his own back briefly. Quite a talented young matador was toying with him as they do, and with one slightly wrong move the bull managed to up and under him. The bulls horns lodged into the front of the matador much to the crowds amazement and disbelief. He was flung high in the air and finally came crashing to the ground unconscious. The bull was ready to inflict some more pain and stood over his limp lifeless body and tried desperately to drive another horn into his victim. Other matadors rushed into the ring and distracted the bull away from his prey as more came and picked up the injured man and rushed him out of the stadium to get some immediate attention.

This particular bull was very fast and very angry and after this event, the other matadors were clearly very cautious of him. Despite his small victory over his opponent, he sadly met the fate of all the bulls that had gone before him. Eventual death.

I’m not sure I would go to see another bullfight, but I am glad for seeing it at least once in my lifetime. A piece of old traditional Spanish history that I am not sure will last for too much longer.