MB

We are going to Portugal in August for two weeks, we plan on spending approx. 3 days in Seville? What exciting things are there to do? Can you see a bull-fight there?

Rex

Don't fail to consider going to a bullfight in Lisbon - - every Thursday evening (not sure if this is current or whether it might be seasonal). The Portuguese bullfight does NOT kill the bull. It is very much about horsemanship, and the final round is bare hands against the bull - - about 6-7 toreadors (not called matadors - - the verb "matar" = to kill) and they literally immobilize the bull by grabbing its head and horns. The first guy approaches the bull head on and grabs both horns, relying on the others to be a split second behind him on both sides of the bull's head to reinforce his insanely brave first step. <BR> <BR>I have never been to a bullfight in Spain, so I won't say this is superior. But I can't believe it's inferior in anyway!

mb

Thanks Rex, I didn't realize this big difference between Portugal's and Spain's bull fights. It's good information to have. I would rather see the bull live to fight another day!

henry

MB, I'm just back from Seville.Did not go to a bullfight but spoke to someone trying to get tickets thru the hotel.He was being charged $65.00. A bartrnder told me $45.00 is fair depending on the seat.Try flamenco show at Los Gallos when in Seville.Enjoy.

Rex

I think I read this in Portugal, but don't quote me on it. <BR> <BR>The bull lives to BREED another day, but never fights again. One time only is enough for him to understand and enable him to not "fall for" the "hypnotic powers" of the toreador(s) - - in short, he will apparently be too dangerous to come back into the ring a second time! <BR> <BR>None of this information (whether true or not) is intended to dissuade you from going. I thoroughly enjoyed it - - as I said before, the whole thing seems to be much more about pageantry and especially the first (or maybe it's the second) round is about "fighting" the bull on horseback (still bloodless) - - primarily intended to exhause the bull, I believe. There is great pride and showmanship in the handling of the horse. And though my recollection is 5 or more years old, the price was way less than half the figures cited above in the posting about Sevilla prices - - maybe about $15 for a very full evening of three or four bulls fought. I'm sorry that my memory isn't more fresh on the details.