No Bull sports in Spain?
I just heard yesterday the popular annual event running with the bulls in Spain is getting gored.
This worldwide recession is hitting close to home now in several small Spanish communities. Pamplona is hosting the event this week, but amid controversy over whether to shut down the tradition. Local governments are considering canceling the race in an effort to save money simpy saying they cannot afford it.
Too bad for thrill seekers.
We usually see the 8-second video on the evening news of these dare devils running to stay ahead of the bulls. That’s expected to change because small townships in Spain who host numerous events are forced to choose between cuts in education and social programs or the event.
It’s a growing trend. It’s predicted that bullfighting has dropped about 20 percent across Spain. About 1,000 bullfight events were held in 2008, and the number is expected to fall to 800 this year.
Spanish legislators will vote in July whether to enforce a regional ban on the sport of bullfighting.
Interesting tidbit: Did you know there are other events associated with bulls? Correbou and Bouembolat.
Correbou is the event where people actually chase the bulls.
Bouembolat is the event where balls of hot-flaming wax are placed on the bull’s horns. And they run that way!
The Corridas is the Spanish term for bullfighting.
