One of the most popular Spanish customs of all time is the Running of the Bulls, also known in Spanish as corrida de toros. The toro bravo, an ancient species of bull that has only been preserved in Spain, is a vital component during the celebration of this tradition. For ages, this particular species of bull has been revered by ancient civilizations and continues to be praised by modern culture to this day. The art of bullfighting can be traced back to the coronation of King Alfonso VIII, which took place in 711 A.D. Originally, this sport used horses and had been intended for the aristocracy, however bullfighting was believed to be a dangerous influence on public behavior and was later banned from the aristocracy by King Felipe V. Shortly after, the peasants altered different aspects of the sport in order to make it their own. Instead of using horses as the aristocracy did, the commoners practiced dodging the bulls on foot. …show more content…
Today, the bullfighting tradition has very specific procedures that are important to the Spanish culture. To initiate the ceremony, trumpets and a brass band play music as the president of the bullfight signals for the release of the first bull. The assistants of the bullfighter usually use their purple and yellow capote in order to identify how the bull is moving. Following this, two picadores, or lancers on horseback, enter the arena by order of the president. One of these picadores must make it their mission to the neck of the bull. After this, one of the three banderilleros must sprint in the direction of the bull, thus influencing him to charge. He then must strike the bull in the neck with two sharpened wood sticks, also known as banderillas. Following this, the matador enters the arena and uses his red muleta and sword to anger and then kill the bull, which is then sold by a local