Yesterday we got the opportunity to see Costa Rican style of bullruns. Because I deplore violence and dont like to see things die, I was skeptical, but Henry convinced me the bull would not be killed so I went. These are hugely popular CR post-Christmas time events. Lots of food vendors, a kiddy carnival, and even a musical concert included in the admission price. It turns out the bullfights are run with the bulls in a circular arena. About 150 young people, mostly guys, ALL in the arena at one time when they turn loose a very large angry bull. I felt a little bad for the bull because they tease and taunt him to get him to charge. However, he is one mean, angry machine already and readily charges into them. The runners flee for their lives (literally) and usually escape, often flipping upside down as they scramble over the sidewalls. Then again, sometimes the bull wins, tossing a young man into the air, or gouging another, and frequently stomping them as well. The guys are good at running right in to distract and turn the bull away from the downed victim, and helping him out of the arena if necessary (2 taken by ambulance while we were there). The announcer directs the runners into different tactics and dares. He might have them all run in a circle around the bull, like a whirlpool. Or up the ante by saying the first one to touch the bulls horn gets a bonus prize (maybe equivalent of $10). Others get prizes for challenging the bull and subsequently dodging him multiple times, matador style. There is even an event where they make a large chalk circle in the center, and THEN loose the bull on them. If a runner leaves the circle, he is eliminated. The numbers dwindle rapidly until it is just a dozen or so. Lowest number we saw left was 7, and they split that pot (about $100). There were other little shows and events between bulls. The two best parts were the dancing horses. Theses horses pranced and danced like Lipizzans and Andalusians (not sure what these were). One even hopped on his hind legs, knelt down, and finally laid down and played dead. He rose back up to his regal dance and left the arena! Some of them were used to round up the bull when the game was called. I worried that these gorgeous animals would be gored as they raced up to rope the bull and bring it back to the gate. It was well-timed teamwork. The rider would race by the gate loosing the rope just a bit so a man on the ground could toss it over a hook above the gate. Then as the cowboy and horse pulled the rope taut, the bull was led right to the awaiting open gate. One ornery bull surprised us all when in defiance to being told where to go just laid down outside the gate. The stands were roaring with laughter as he repeated it twice! They finally got him in with a combination of more ropes, pulling him by the tail, and pushing him from the side. Chalk one up for the bull!
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 04:55:58 +0000
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