La Fiesta Nacional

La fiesta nacional, or the national sport, bullfighting, is Spain's most sought out attraction. Bull rings can be found almost anywhere throughout all of Spain. Bullfighting started back in 711 A.D. in honor of the crowning of the king. Ever since, it has been a popular spectacle among the Spanish, and among tourists, as well. Originally, these fights took place on horseback. About 200 years ago, the transition was made from horseback to foot. Bullfighters traditionally are marked in distinct groups. Picadors start off the show; there are several picadors and their job is to jab spears into the bull's back. After this, the matador enters the ring. The matador's job is to fight and then kill the bull. During his time in the ring, the matador attempts to demonstrate his talent and skill as a bullfighter. This is a very dangerous job because one wrong move and he can wind up injured or even killed. In contrast to the picadors, matadors use a sword to fight the bull. Another instrument also used is a puntilla, which is a dagger used to stab the bull at the base of its skull. When the matador puts on a good show for the audience, he is rewarded with either the bull's tail or ears. One journalist comments, "It was most amusing and quite rewarding when one of the bulls got the better of the Matador and drew blood as he tossed him into the air." Later, the journalist goes on to say, "It was different to say the least but not as exciting or as gory as we imagined."

"Bullfighting in Spain." IdealSpain. 2000-2007. 27 Nov. 2007.
-Quote from this webpage as well