What+happens+in+a+bullfight+10

__ What Happens in a Bullfight __
== There are three main parts of a bullfight. First, the paseillo occurs and the matadors salute whatever dignitary is present ( usually el presidente). This is accompanied by band music and some Spanish songs called Pasodobles are played to honor a specific torero. Senior matadors go to the far left of the ring and the newest fighter is in the center with his hat off. Next, the bulls are tested for how ferocious they are. Their name, weight, and age is recorded. The bulls are all wearing capes at this time that represent which estate they came from. == == In the first of the stages, or tercios, the matador observes how the bull behaves. He is looking for which horn the bull favors, or if the bull has any eye problems or other peculiarities. He will decide how close he should let the bull get and what passes he should use with his cape. The matador then comes and confronts the bull. If he performs well, he will get a lot of attention from the crowd. This part is called the suerte de capote or "luck of the cape". After the matador is done, two picadors will ride in on heavily padded horses and are armed with two lances called varas. The bull is invited to attack the horse, and when this happens the horse will be protected by the padding. The picador will then stab the bull with his vara. Losing blood, the bull will then become weaker and ready for the next stage. The picador will then poke the top of the bull causing it to try to lift the picador's horse. This weakens the neck so the bull will hopefully be holding his head down in further stages. Now the matador will have and easier time with his cape and be able to perform more elegant movements. Many think this not only a necessary, but crucial stage in the corrida. ==

== After the tercio de varas ( "lances third") which is the first stage, the corrida goes on to the tercio de banderillas ( "banderillas third"). During this stage, the three banderilleros will attempt to plant the banderillas decorated with local colors and paper into the bull's flanks. These weaken the large ridges of neck and shoulder muscle that only fighting bulls have. Banderilleros will also spur the bull to make it more lively and dangerous. Placing these banderillas will is the last attempt to "correct the charging tendencies of the bull". Some matadors will even plant the banderillas themselves. If the bull is very weak, the presidente may order black banderillas to be planted. This disgraces the breeder. ==

== The final stage of a corrida is the tercio de muerte ( "death third"). All alone, the matador is back with the famous red cape (muleta) and a sword called and estoque. The cape is stretched with a wooden dowel, the lighter muleta is easier to handle but a heavier one is required. Many times ring doctors file fake certifications of "wrist injuries" which allow matadors to use the lighter version. The matador will use this cape to attract the bull and allow it to come especially close so the matador can demonstrate his skill. The entire series of passes with the cape is called the faena. There are all sorts of different passes possible and when the matador makes a very good pass, the audience shouts "ole!". All of this ends when the matador gets the bull into a position to stab it in the aorta or shoulders. When the matador thrusts his sword into the bull, it is called the estocada. If the matador is not quick and clean with the estocada he will get booed at from the crowd and it could ruin the whole event because the bull is supposed to have a painless death. If the bull is not dead, the matador will use a second sword to stab the spinal chord, instantly killing the bull. After it is dead, the bull's body is dragged out by a cart of mules. On very rare occasions, the presidente allows the bull to live but a bull can never go through a fight twice, for they will be way too dangerous the second time. If the matador has a successful faena he will receive a trofeo (trophy) and if the crowd approves, an ear from the bull is awarded. If the matador gets two ears from the presidente, he is carried out of the ring by fans. ==