I am violating your rule but I think I was close enough to going that it was okay!!

I was in Seville, waiting in line to buy tickets and realized that I was not up to sitting in the very strong sun for that long so decided not to buy the tickets. I really wanted to go to the bullfight and was disappointed. Later that day I was in a bar having an icecream and I happened to notice that the bullfight was on tv so I watched. It was horrifying (and I do not get too worked up about things like that). The bull, who had obviously lost, was pierced and standing sort of stunned. I thought that the fight was over but no. The bullfighter just stabbed him again and again and until he keeled over. This went on for about 10 minutes. Maybe it would have been okay to be in the stadium and see it at a distance but to watch that gore and cruelty close up on tv was not for me.

I am not violating the rule since i've gone to two

but these bloody spectacles should be boycotted if not banned and i hope that you will not support this extreme example of animal cruelty.

I'd never go and the idea that you 'must' go to experience Spain is rubbish. I doubt if more than a tiny proportion of tourists go to one, and I'm sure those who don't have experienced Spain just as fully. You might as well say all tourists to the US should go and watch a cock-fight or pit-bull fight.

I have to say to those who went/watched one on TV and were appalled - what were you actually expecting? You go, knowing that you are going to watch animal being slowly stabbed to death in front of you, and yet you were surprised by the cruelty/blood?

I went to a Bullfight when I was 18yo (Many moons ago!) I still feel sick and disgust NOW 20+ years later, when I think of what I witnessed then. :-(

I was too young and polite to just walk out, and risk upsetting our hosts.

I would NEVER recommend a visit to a bullfight. But thats me and we all differ.

Europesmyplace

>By the way, did you know that a large percentage of bullfight spectators are tourists?<

We didn't find that during the Feria in Seville. Without a doubt (perhaps because it was the time of their festival) the largest amount of spectators were Spanish.

Would I go to another? No.

However, I am comfortable in taking that decision knowing that I did go to one and made my own mind up.

Joe

Saw one in Barcelona when I was about 22 - at least I had excuse of being relatively young. Never, ever again!

Author: BronxGuy
Date: 01/13/2007, 08:22 pm
If you have gone to a bullfight in Spain, I'd like your reaction. I'm very aware of the controversary and each side's opinions. But I'd like the reaction of those who have actually gone. If you have an opinion, but have not attended a bullfight, please do not reply.

BronxGuy - did your OP fulfill its purpose - what do you think of the various responses.

You surely must have an opion now - your reaction to the reactions please!