I am a meat eater and occasional hunter, so I can't really claim to be completely compassionate about animals. But I am hesitant about going to a bullfight while visiting Spain. Maybe I have a prejudiced view about watching animals being tortured, but it seems there is a lot more to it, in terms of understanding more about the culture of Spain. Does anyone want to give me an opinion on what I would learn about Spain and Spanish people if I went to a bullfight, and any practical advice on buying tickets etc, if you think I should go?

Bullfighting in Spain it like football in the US. Lots of pagentry, sponsor logos, music, blood, sweat and gore. But don't miss it in the big centres who attract the top matadors. The best tickets are in the shade but I found the sun side okay if you have shades and a hat. Agencies sell tickets as do guys outside the arena but I think they are quasi-scalpers.

I'm not too sure how much understanding of Spanish culture you'll receive in the arena. You'll get caught up in the spectacle,color and crowd noise certainly. To correlate the spectacle of the bullfight with the tradition and culture of Spain, go to your library and check out Hemingway's "Death in the Afternoon". Cheaper than a bull fight ticket and more meaningful and perceptive as well.

Went to a bullfight while I was there,in Madrid at the major arena, same as you because, you know, when your in spain you do like the spanish and it's an experience that is unique to the culture. The usual program involves the slaying of six bulls over the course of about three hours and unlike going to a football game, the whole spectacular becomes monotonous and repetative after the 3rd or 4th bull maximum. However the first three are entertaining as the crowd gets involved, barracking for the bull (at least I was!) But besides for the few times when the bull fights back against the matador and his well protected (but sometimes not enough)horsemen it really is an unfair gang up on the bull. But you've got to give the bulls credit, because they last up to half an hour until the crowd get too restless and the matador goes after it. The skill of the matador is creditable, let's face it you've got to have balls to do it! They pierce the charging bulls with fancy, fluffy spears,(that you can but by the way) but don't fall for the first pricing, because they are scalpers, and like all the sellers in the arena can be bartered down. Try the unenthusiastic approach, even though you really want it, don't worry, they'll go down in price.
Like the other person said, once you get your ticket and if your in the sun, which is a pain, just quietly and inconspiciously move around the arena from your seat, not from the covered walkways because the guards won't let you in (usually, unless you just flash your ticket!)
Oh yeah, when the bull is killed( by the piercing sword of the apparently brave matador, it is dragged of out the gates by a horse with bells which I guess is supposed to be cheerful?!??) Anyway, they're taken out the back and can be seen by the public (well their body parts and whats left of them can be seen, its not too disgusting, much like a butchers workshop, where I'm told you can buy bits, the genitals and tail being the most precious! What a culture!) The exit is near by which leads onto the train station which is more economical than taking one of the dodgy costly taxi's. Anyway, all in all I recommend you go, because just being there and seeing it is something in itself which you can say you've seen!

don't go.

I agree with Cheryl, don't go. I just returned from Spain two weeks ago and went to see the arena. I was curious to see what it looked like. Bullfighting is a part of the Spanish culture but I am amazed at the cruelty to the bulls. I have seen the spears that they throw in the bulls back which stays to slowly weaken the bull by bleeding as they taunt him until they finally finish him off with a sword. I am actually shocked that such a culture promotes this. This is simply my advice and opinion, take it as such.

I still occasionally will have a nightmare about the carnage I witnessed some 30 years ago at a bull fight. It is a cruel and savage "sport" or custom. Please... don't go!

I went to my first and only corrida over forty years ago, in Barcelona. I don't ever want to see an animal slaughtered as "sport" again. The bull is penned in a dark area under the arena and then run into the brilliant sunlight, to meet a bunch of guys on horses (picadors, toreadors) whose job is to stick the bull to make him turn in the direction they want. After taunting the bull, and conveniently hiding behind barricades if the bull becomes aggressive, the matador arrives, and after a few passes, the "moment of truth" is performed and the bull is dispatched, unceremoniously dragged from the arena by his heels to the butcher next door. If he (the bull) shows any spunk his ears are cut off by the matador and tossed to the crowd. If the matador shows any spunk they throw flowers. Portugal has it right.

Although my personal reaction to bullfights was not as visceral as some described earlier, I did not particularly enjoy the event (many, many Spaniards have never been to a bullfight and many who have gone don't like them either). But the pagentry is nice, the Madrid bullring is a nice facility, the surrounding tapas bars are colorful, and the atmosphere is festive. I wouldn't be so quick to condemn or to make astonishing cultural generalizations about what bullfights tell us about Spanish culture, because the US is none too protective of animal welfare -- it's just better kept out of view. Ever been to a chicken farm? If you think the bloodshed will make you sick or if you object to the way the deck is so stacked against the bull, don't go. But otherwise, you might find it an interesting experience.

The decision to go or not to go really depends on what you are interested in. The Spanish culture puts bullfighting in the same league as American football. Our group left after the first bull was killed. To us, it was not entertainment. If there is any questions whether you should go or not, go. For no other reason than to experience bullfighting for yourself. If its worth staying for, then enjoy the show, if not, you are out a couple of bucks and you can say that you went, and did not enjoy it. Nothing ventured,nothing gained.