Bullfighting - part of the Andalusian DNA

The picturesque arena of Mijas, a charming town in the province of Málaga, was built in 1900 at the request of local residents and is perched on one of the highest rocks in the town [Google Maps]. The arena is not only a testimony to the deep-rooted tradition of bullfighting in Andalusia, but also an architectural jewel with a unique feature: its oval floor plan, a rare shape in Spain, which gives the arena a special atmosphere. The complex includes an infirmary, a chapel and a slaughterhouse, all of which are essential elements of a traditional bullring.

The stars of the arena

At the center of bullfighting are the toreros, whose name is derived from the Spanish word toro for bull. This group includes the matadores, banderilleros, picadores and novilleros, who all play an important role in the arena. The matador, who is considered the main character of the spectacle, is the one who teases the bull with the muleta, a red cloth, and delivers the fatal blow with the sword (espada) at the end of the fight.

The arena of Mijas is proud of its rich history and commemorates the most famous toreros who have performed here. The walls in front of the arena are adorned with numerous ceramics and plaques commemorating the performances of legendary bullfighters such as Miguel Camarita, Palomo Linares, El Niño de la Capea, Ángel Teruel and Paquirri. The arena once belonged to Antonio José Galán, a renowned matador who died in 2001 and whose legacy lives on in Mijas to this day.

The arena

The "ruedo", the central fighting area of the arena, is covered with sand and surrounded by the "barrera", a wooden barrier that protects both the bullfighters and the audience. The sand of the "ruedo" not only has a symbolic meaning, but also plays a practical role by cushioning the bull's movements and absorbing the blood that is spilled during the fight.

The arena in Mijas has several gates that are crucial to the bullfighting process. The “puerta grande” is the main gate through which the victorious matador leaves the arena after a successful fight to the cheers of the crowd. The bulls are let into the arena through the "puerta de toriles", while the "puerta de arrastre" is used to remove the dead bulls after the fight. The "puerta de caballos" is the gate through which the picadores - mounted fighters with lances - enter the arena.

Along the "barrera" there are usually four open passages protected by "burladeros" - barriers behind which the bullfighters can hide if the bull gets too close. These "burladeros" are strategically important and offer the toreros a brief but crucial respite during the often intense and dangerous fight.

The Mijas arena is more than just a bullfighting venue; it is a living museum of Andalusian culture and tradition that preserves the history and soul of bullfighting. Here, art and risk, tradition and passion merge into a spectacle that is deeply rooted in the DNA of Andalusia.

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You can find more interesting information in English at andalucia.org. A Meeting point between travellers and tourism professionals. An exceptional showcase for everything concerning tourism in Andalusia.

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