It may come as a surprise to many Californians that the tradition of bullfighting is alive and well in this state. During the summer, the Central Valley’s Portuguese community stages regular bullfights in the tradition of their homeland.
For the past 30 years, thousands have attended these evening events, where the only concession to American culture and laws is that the bull is spared harm. The animal is covered in Velcro and the matador’s lances simply stick to the material. The matador, however, is exposed to real danger.
Correspondent Craig Miller follows one of these spectacles as it unfolds on a summer evening in the town of Gustine. He also witnesses the latest chapter in California’s bullfighting history, a nearby bullfighting school that caters to those with a taste for adventure.
- California Bullfights, a schedule of Central Valley bloodless bullfights
- Dennis Borba’s matador school
- Humane Society of the United States, which opposes bloodless bullfighting
September 19th, 2006 at 10:22 am
Re bullfights:
Your coverage seems to glorify this cruelty. I don’t understand how you can overlook the obvious. You always had thorough reports in the past, but with this story, you seem to revel in this inhumane, horrific “sport.” You didn’t even go behind the scenes to see what these animals go through. Very disappointed in you.
April 8th, 2007 at 11:20 am
We went to our first “bloodless” bullfight in Portigal about 10 years ago and thourghly enjoyed it. We look forward to seeing our first California “bloodless” bullfight in Gustine on July 16, 2007, and second in Artesia on July 30.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
The ‘matador’ thought he was ill treated….remember, the bull had no choice in this matter…you did! There is nothing Christian or religious about tormenting and abusing any animal. Get a life!
April 15th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
The people who go to see these bullfights are in spirit, cruel and unconscionable. This is no real sport, this is the same as the ancient Roman Circle of people who reveled in seeing anything more unfortunate as themsevles being submitted to terror, degradation and ultimately death. There is always more to a story than what is told and I call on the SPCA to investigate this activity thoroughly.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Bravo ! for the great segment of bullfights here in California, it sure beats going all the way to Tijuana to see a bullfight, thanks, sincerely Jose Zamora.