Bullfighting is a traditional Spanish sport that has been around for centuries. Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is home to some of the most famous bullrings in the world.
If you’re planning to attend a bullfight in Madrid, you might be wondering how long it will last. In this article, we’ll explore the typical duration of bullfights in Madrid.
What is Bullfighting?
Before we dive into the duration of bullfights in Madrid, let’s first understand what bullfighting is. Bullfighting is a sport where a matador (bullfighter) faces off against a bull in an arena. The goal is to perform a series of maneuvers with a cape and sword while avoiding being gored by the bull.
How Long Do Bullfights Last?
The duration of a bullfight can vary depending on several factors such as the skill level of the matador and the behavior of the bull. On average, a bullfight in Madrid lasts about two hours. However, this can be broken down into three distinct parts:
Part 1: Tercio de Varas (Lance Third)
This first part lasts about 30 minutes and involves picadors (horse-mounted men) who enter the arena armed with lances. The picadors attempt to tire out and weaken the bull by stabbing it with their lances.
Part 2: Tercio de Banderillas (Bandarilla Third)
The second part lasts about 25 minutes and involves banderilleros (bullfighters on foot) who enter the arena carrying banderillas (decorated sticks with barbed points). They use these sticks to further tire out and weaken the bull by sticking them into its back.
Part 3: Tercio de Muerte (Death Third)
The final part lasts about 30 minutes and involves the matador who enters the arena armed with a sword. The goal is to kill the bull with one swift blow to the heart or lungs. This is the most dangerous part of the bullfight and requires a high level of skill from the matador.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a typical bullfight in Madrid lasts about two hours, broken down into three distinct parts. While bullfighting is controversial and not for everyone, it can be an exciting cultural experience for those interested in traditional Spanish sports. If you’re planning to attend a bullfight in Madrid, now you know what to expect in terms of duration.