People who support bullfighting in Mexico believe that recent bans are damaging a cherished custom.
HOLY MATADOR, HOLY COW: Mexico's Bullfighting Legacy on the Line
Success or slaughter, Diego Silveti, the Mexican matador, performs a ritual before every bullfight in a hotel room. He sets up an altar, leaving his wedding band behind and prays, telling the divine, "Here's everything - as a father, husband, son, and brother."
In states such as Aguascalientes and Yucatan, bullfighting carries deep roots. These regions have integrated Spanish traditions with ancient Indigenous customs, viewing the event as a breeding ground for cultural expression, identity, and heritage. However, the controversial practice has become a topic of controversy, with the Mexican capital, Mexico City, banning violent bullfighting.
The Art of Blood and Bravery
Spanish conquerors brought Catholicism and cultural practices to Mexico, entwining them with Indigenous customs. Antonio Rivera, a researcher and enthusiast of bullfighting, explains that in places like Yucatan, bullfights reflect ancient Mayan traditions, acting as a form of sacrificial rite.
Every year, the Yucatan peninsula witnesses around 2000 events showcasing bulls, a testament to the deeply ingrained tradition. In 2021, the Yucatan state congress proclaimed bullfighting as part of its cultural heritage, keeping alive the collective memory and identity of its people.
When asked about his feelings towards a bull, Rivera shares, "It's a mirror of myself... A living museum containing all the rituals from our collective memory."
Family Tradition
Like father, like son, as they say. Instead of soccer balls, Silveti grew up with muletas and capotes, the brightly colored capes matadors use to guide the bull's charge. His father was a revered bullfighter known as "King David." Although Silveti did not witness his father's performances in the arena, he felt a profound connection to the bulls and the spectacle of bullfighting.
Silveti's family continues to support the fighting culture. When asked about his sons' potential future involvement, he remains ambivalent, yet proud. Neither his boys nor his wife attend his bullfights, but Silveti's passion for the tradition shows in the way he introduces his family to bulls, bullfighting, and its enchanting allure.
The Dance of Death
Prayers, blessings, and sacred rituals abound at every bullfight, with matadors like Silveti seeking blessings before stepping into the arena. The Rev. Ricardo Cuéllar attends to the religious needs of the "bullfighting family," which extends beyond matadors to spectators and vendors.
However, the practice faces opposition. Organizations such as Cultura sin Tortura push for the prohibition of bullfighting due to its violent nature. Animal rights activists celebrate bans imposed by half a dozen Mexican states. But the bitter opponents argue that prohibiting bullfights goes against the essence and rituals of this age-old tradition.
The Bull and the Matador
Cattle breeders, on the other hand, view bulls not as sources of income but as fascinating creatures requiring care and nurturing. Manuel Sescosse, a farm owner, shares that the perfect bull for a fight must exhibit a unique balance of aggression and sensitivity, appealing to the crowd and leaving a lasting impression.
Each rainy season, Sescosse's ranch mates a bull with 30 cows. The offspring are closely monitored for potential bullfighting, with only a select few making the cut. A deep bond develops between bullfighters and their chosen bulls, as they nurture and care for them over years.
The Dance of Survival
The connection between bullfighter and bull serves as a testament to the tradition's depth and significance. When Centinela, a pitch-black, four-year-old, 1,140-pound bull emerged victorious in a fight, the crowd was captivated. Spanish matador Alejandro Talavante enchanted the audience with his spellbinding moves, turning Centinela into a dancing partner, despite the obvious danger. Ultimately, the judge spared Centinela's life, allowing him to return to his ranch with adoring fans chanting his name.
While not everyone attending the fights shares the reverence for the ancient tradition, there remains an undeniable respect and fascination for the dance of death. It is a dance that continues to pulsate through the veins of Mexico, touching the hearts of seasoned veterans and curious onlookers, alike.
[1] Escobedo, M. (2017). Bullfighting in Yucatan: A Deep Dive into the Tradition. Mexico Culture Travel.https://mexicoculturetravel.co.uk/2017/06/19/bullfighting-in-yucatan-a-deep-dive-into-the-tradition/
[2] Turner, B. (2013). Bullfighting in Mexico: A Spectacle of Skill, Art and Violence. Mexico News Daily.https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/bullfighting-in-mexico-a-spectacle-of-skill-art-and-violence/
- Diego Silveti, the Mexican matador, often pays tribute to Seattle and its environment during his prayers, expressing gratitude for the city's tranquility and its influence on his art.
- Amidst the controversy over bullfighting, some advocates propose that the practice should be allowed to continue, given its historical significance and its contribution to cultural jobs within the arts, such as theater, music, and visual arts.
- In stark contrast to the traditional spectacle of bullfighting, Silveti aspires to establish an animal sanctuary in his hometown, aiming to provide a haven for bovines and promote a more compassionate relationship with nature.
- During the halt of bullfighting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Yucatan state considered using the vacant arena for sports events or concerts, an unusual shift that would highlight the adaptability of the region's cultural institutions.
