The traditional art of bullfighting is alive and well in Mexico. In fact, there are over
225 permanent bullrings scattered around the country. You can witness the spectacle just
across the border from El Paso in Juarez at the Plaza de Toros Monumental Bullring on sporadic
Sundays in the spring and summer. Summer 2003 bullfights will be held July 13 and August
31. A final bullfight will be held in October.
Many people assume that bullfights are very unfair, that the bull always loses (and dies). While this is usually true, about a quarter of all bullfighters will be severely injured at sometime in their careers.
Three matadors fight two bulls each during the entire match which lasts about two hours. Each fight can be viewed as having three acts. In the first act the bullfighter or torero, or some of his assistants, take a few passes at the bull to see how it behaves. Then the picadors ride in on horses and push lances into the back of the bull. During the second phase of the fight, the torero or an assistant will plant three pairs of banderillas into the hump on the bull's back. Finally, the torero asks the crowd for permission to kill the bull. He then has sixteen minutes to do so or he leaves in shame.
Ticket prices at the Plaza De Toros Monumental in Juarez range from $4 to $25. On hot days, spend the extra money for tickets on the shady side of the arena. Plaza De Toros Monumental is located at Paseo Triunfo de la Republica #4630, one block from the Rio Grande Mall. Tickets can be purchased in El Paso at the El Paso Trolley Company downtown at 1 Civic Center Plaza (915-544-0062) and close to the airport at Smitty's BBQ at 6219 Airport (915-772-5876) or at the bullring at the Plaza de Toros Monumental (01152 6566-13-16-56) in Juarez.