Tourada

On entering Alcácer we saw a poster for a bull fight the following night. We thought it would be a novel way to celebrate John's 70th birthday!

Consequently, we cycled to the bull ring in good time (10pm!) and eventually found our seats in the gallery. 

The bull ring is very reminiscent of a Roman amphitheatre without the stage. Just a ring, like a circus.

The programme opened with a superb display of dressage by very elegantly dressed women.

Then the introduction of the 3 calvaleiros (dashing horsemen dressed in 18th century finery with a plumed tricorn hat).

Each calvaleiro was assisted by 3 matadors (on foot) who provoked the bull. The bull charges the calvaleiro who with superb horsemanship gallops within inches of the bull's horns and plants bandarillas into the bull's neck.

The next phase was the pega (really the suicide squad!), 8 forcados facing the bull bare handed. They were tossed into the air and even trampled on!

They were whirled around holding his tail and eventually overwhelmed the weakened bull.

Lastly, cows were sent into the ring to lure the bull out.

We made for home at 1.00 am (the show was still in full swing!) and cycled back to our tent. What a birthday!

The bull is humanely put down after the event.

Bull fighting is on the wane. We did not enjoy seeing the bull tormented but reflected if this was a more humane death than transportation for many miles in a cattle truck to face the trauma of the abattoir.