elleng

I will be in Madrid during the first week of April and would like to see a bullfight (never seen it before). I found out that my only option is novillada on Sunday, April 2. Is it worth seeing?
Thanks.

Pausanias

Hemingway recommended attending a novillada for ones first bullfight. You may be lucky and catch a rising star.

bhuty

have you seen a bullfight on TV or anything?

I thought I'd like to see one too but since watching it on TV there is no way I can go. I'm not a tree or animal hugger, I don;t own any pets and I eat meat but the cruelty of that is too much for me. I feel like punching those guys out. Sorry for the emotional taint on your idea, I'm not judging anyone who sees it so don;t take it that way.
Let me just say that the "bull fighters" (or clowns) at the rodeo are more courageous and skillful than any guy with a red flag and a sword.

NEDSIRELAND

Novilladas can be more exciting than Corridas. Check out the Vista Alegre Plaza de Toros in Madrid's Carabanchal section. You can get there by Metro

The 'kids' (Novilleros) really put on a great show: those that can't afford a Cuadrilla plant their own Banderillas. Some are Banderilleros on their way to becoming full fleged Toreros.

Some bullfight scenes may be repulsive

elleng

Thank you, Nedsireland & Pausanias.
Do you think I should try to buy tickets online now, or they will be available on site?

laclaire

Whatever you do, I recommend sitting "al sol" (in the sun). The seats are cheaper and the patrons tend to be the most dedicated; the ones who "know." I have learned a lot about the art while sentada al sol.

Novilladas are a crapshoot because bad bullfight can sour you on the whole experience.

Claire

NEDSIRELAND

The new Plaza de Toros at Vista Alegre is a dome. So is the one at Leganés, further out. At Madrid's las Ventas Plaza you are out in the open. Seats in Sol are less costly than Sol y Sombra; but you're going to be in the sun the entire afternoon. True, some of the aficionados prefer Sol. but I prefer Sol y Sombra!

A bullfight is in several stages, each marked with its own music theme. The music signals when a stage is complete: I think it begins with a Pasodoble as the bull enters the arena. That's when the Torero, with help from his team, gets to know the Bull (i.e., whether he 'pulls' right or left charges high or low, etc.). The Torero / Novillero is working with the Capote (large, heavy cape). Later he will work with a Muleta, a smaller crimson cape with the espada hidden underneath; that's after the Banderilleros and Picador have done their thing.

It's all right to boo the Picador!

I saw a man get gored to death when I saw my first Bullfight - the next one was to show a girlfriend how it was; and the last one was for my son when we went to Spain to celebrate his H.S. graduation. We videotaped a complete Bullfight and showed it to his friends back home: they were mostly bored.

I, personally don't like bullfights!