Bullfighting in the streets.
Not exactly what most people think of "bullfighting", but that's what they call it.
The tradition began from one of the many times
the island was under siege. This particular time,
the Spanish were coming in from the southeastern side.
It would have been another defeat for Portugal,
were it not for a young woman's idea.
(Don't quote me on the young lady)
This woman let all the bulls out of their pens
to run down the hill towards the port of attack.
The bulls scared off the Spanish, marking one
of a few victories for the Azoreans.
The morning before a bullfight, the buyers, and any interested folk gather in the center of the island in one of four bullrings. Here the bulls strut their stuff, and usually four bulls are chosen for each fiesta. After the choices are made, they let some of the younger bulls out to test their charge factor.
Play with them.
Create their hate for people in general.
On the evening of the bullfight, people start to
gather about an hour before hand. The food and beer
venders sell their ware, and the voyeurs get their spots.
Controlling your spot is essential for a fun bullfight.
It needs to be close to the street, but high behind a
sturdy fence or stone wall. It's amazing and scary to see
how high these massive animals can jump.
In many of the larger stores, they play videos of past bullfights. Of course only the most exciting ones make it in, but it makes you think very hard about where to plant your rear.
The young men see the bullfights as a rite of passage. It's something every young man needs to do at least once.
There is a mute gentleman who goes to many bullfights and gets very close to the bulls face. I've seen him at the bullfights myself, and witnessed him on many videos from past years.
Makes you wonder his motivation.
This fall when we return, the bull crates will be in our driveway. It was fun last year from Edwarda's front yard.
I can see it being even better this year.
