bullfighting

A matador tests the bravery of his bull with movements of the capote, a red and yellow cape. After the 80-kph/50-mph attacks by the bull have been slowed by the picadors, the matador approaches the bull with only his red cape, the muleta, and a short sword.

Fiesta of San Fermin, Pamplona, Spain. Every July, on the feast day of the local saint, the men of Pamplona run through the streets trying to outwit the fighting bulls that are being sent to the arena. Many of the men are injured in the chase.

The national sport of Spain (where there are more than 400 bullrings), which is also popular in Mexico, Portugal, and much of Latin America. It involves the ritualized taunting of a bull in a circular ring, until its eventual death at the hands of the matador (bullfighter). Originally popular in Greece and Rome, it was introduced into Spain by the Moors in the 11th century.

Picadores on horseback first taunt the bull and wound it with lances before the banderilleros pierce the bull's neck with darts. The final act, the kill, is performed by the matador, who is armed with a red cape and sword. He teases the bull further with the cape and then kills it by plunging the sword between its shoulder blades. There are three matadors in a bullfight, and each faces two bulls. In some parts of France and in Portugal it is illegal to kill the bulls. Opponents of the sport criticize its cruelty, and efforts have been made to outlaw it.