Bullfight-lite Fiesta

Antonio called me today and invited us to a party. Usually in San Miguel, this time of year has a Pamplonada, or running of the bulls, but this year they decided not to do it since it brings a lot of drunks and a lot of people get hurt. Nevertheless, Antonio and a couple of his friends threw a Pamplonada party, and Antonio was kind enough to extend us an invitation. It was really interesting.

We drove out to a big empty lot with a brick wall surrounding it, and a metal gated corral inside. There were about 150 Mexicans there, and two Americans - Bryce and me. A pickup truck backed up to the corral, and inside were two bulls. They let one of the bulls out, and immediately the brave/foolish young men in the audience jumped into the ring to dare the bull to chase them. Some of the men had red capes - like a bullfighter - but most would just run up to the bull and wave their hats to attract it's attention. The bulls did get annoyed, and eventually chased their tormentors. A couple guys got hurt - none seriously - but in general it was really fun to watch. The possibility of injury always creates great tension. There was food, music, lots of beer and tequila, and people of all ages. Here's a video:



Antonio explained to me that his cousin is a butcher, and does this every year. The cousin always has a couple of bulls that he keeps on his land, which are soon headed for hamburger heaven anyway, so they let them have a final last run. (Unlike a real bullfight, the bulls aren't killed.) At the party there were probably three main families, and all the assorted cousins and in-laws. (Antonio claims to have 70 cousins). One of the cool things about Mexican culture is their really strong sense of family, and you could see it in the bullring. Whenever one of the kids got in trouble, several people raced out to the rescue.

Thank you Antonio for giving Bryce and me an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives!