Art of the Bullfight

The bullfight is an art form and a significant cultural event across the Spanish speaking world and beyond. The cast of characters includes a cuadrilla or team of bullfighters, led by the matador and his six assistants: two picadores (lancers), three banderilleros (flagmen), a mozo de espada (the lad of the swords). At the center of the extravaganza is their adversary, el toro, the bull. The aesthetic of bullfighting is based on the interplay between the man and the bull. Bullfight is less a competitive sport than a ritual, judged by aficionados for its artistic effects and the demonstration of style, technique, and courage by its participants.