I know that there are two bull ring in Tijuana, one on Aguas Calientes (take the 5 y 10 bus or cab) and one by the beach. I've never been to the one by the beach, and I am confused by the playas buses (like where do I catch the return bus ???). I'm not really a fan, but, when in Mexico, do as the Mexicans do.... (La Zona y Los Toros ???) I do think that bullfight coverage (like explaining the season, etc.) belongs on the board.

Pauncho

There is a web site for the bull fights which shows both venues. I think they alternate.

Mexicoach station on Revo a few doors south of Bambi runs buses specifically for the bullfights and also sell bullfight tickets. But if you want front row you need to buy your tickets at the bullring the day before.

I took the bus to the Playas bullring several times. The Mexicoach driver/guide speak english and you get on the bus to go back exactly where they park them in the parking lot. Although bloody and vicious, bullfights are a cultural spetacle that travels may enjoy, but tourists will be pretty revolted.

By El Cabrio on Sunday, December 26, 1999 - 01:23 am:


The Bullfights - Good and Bad Killing

All photos are from the 8-8-99 bullfight. You can read a review at www.bullfights.org/bullfights99.htm

Rejoneador - An opening act, bull fought from horseback.




Very fine horsemanship there.

The proper kill: Sword in to the hilt, matador over the horns, leaning in, the bull is focused on the cape in the matador's left
hand.



Bad killing. This guy is a soap opera star.



I yelled at him "por la boca!" The crowd began repeating it.



Third try, he missed again. Note the sword position.



He has lost his nerve and is now just poking at it. Someone else had to finish the bull. Read Lyn Sherwood's review.

Actually I had a great time. If you are going to go I think it is worth it to sit in rows 1-3, 1 only if you bring a camera ($35).
General Admission is $5 or $7.

EC

Yeah, but WHEN are you supposed to yell "Ole!" I can never figure that out ... and that seems to separate the tourists from the afficionado's. I saw a variety of bullfights in Pamplona on my junior year abroad ... including old Minoan style (as best they can figure), Basque style, current Mexican and Spanish style, etc. All have slightly different traditions. The Basques jump OVER the bull, and don't use a cape. Can U say, "Death Wish"?

The Portugese, atleast I think it is them, use no weapons and dog pile (I think 8 is the standard team) on the bull, grap the tail head etc., and wrestle it to the ground. The bull lives.

The crowd yells Ole when a particularly skilled move is perfformed. It is sort of a dance. For one move the matador is supposed to do a full half circle with his arm and cape extended with the bulls head attached to the cape. Another point getter is damage to their chest clothing by the passing of the bulls horns, or blood on their chest from the flank of the bleeding bull. It has very much to do with courageous style, while staying very alive. Hemingways book "Death in the Afternoo" is an excellent primer on some of these things. You can also read the bullfights web page and see if they have reviews of recent bullfights. They are particularly interesting if you were at the bullfight. Luckily I had a camera and took 3 rolls of film at the above referneced fight.

About the seasons: Bullfights are always held on Sunday afternoons. They start in spring and end in fall. They are not as predictable as baseball and football. There is a certain number of qualified bullfighters working a circuit: North America including the Central Valley in Californi and most large Mexican cities, Spain, So. America.

Promoters have to organise these events and sign the talent: matadors, bull ranches, marketing and ring arrangements. It is a major production. The number of bullfights in TJ seems to vary dramatically from year to year. February to April is the period when they can generally predict what days will have bullfights in various cities. And plans can and do change when a matador is gored or cancels.

There are bullfights at the beach ring tomorrow 9/2/01 starting at 5pm. The prices are now higher than what is listed in El Cabrio's 1999 post.

Anyone know if the bullfighting season has started? Do you need to purchase row 1-3 tickets in advance, or can they be purchased the day of the bullfight?

Two great bullfighting books: Death in The Afternoon (by Ernest Hemmingway) and Or I'll Dress You in Mourning (autobio of El Cordobes). I read these about 100 years ago in high school. I've always wanted to go to the festival of San Fermin in Pamplona and run in front of the Miura bulls. But alas, I have yet to go, to see the classic tragidrama art form. So I'll have to settle for TJ.