¡Que vivan los toros! - 4 toreros and 8 bulls later...

Needless to say, the corrida was not for everybody - there was a mixture of shock, awe and tears. By the end, only a small handful of students remained to cheer for the last torero. While I don´t think there are many students who´d want to see another corrida any time soon, we could all appreciate the opportunity to experience cultura en vivo (live culture). 

¡Que vivan los toros! - A glimpse of the stands...

With mixed emotions at a height, I was able to sneak in a few pictures before the next corrida began. For many, the camera was a welcome distraction from the ring.

Here, you can see the crowd at the end of one of the corridas. What they are waving is a white pañuelo, or handkerchief, which indicates their approval of the torero´s performance. The prizes are awarded by the presidente, who presides over the corridas.  If the torero has done a good job, he will be awarded una oreja (a ear) from the bull. If he has done really well, he will be awarded dos orejas (two ears). If his work was exceptional and the crowd cheers for it, he will be awarded dos orejas y el rabo (two ears and the tail).  

¡Que vivan los toros! - A suprising feat

As the students can tell you, its not only the bull who finds himself in harm´s way during the corrida. One of the toreros we saw, Juan José Padilla, recently made his return to bullfighting after having been seriously injured during a corrida last October. His decision to fight again was to the suprise of many, as he now wears an eye patch and has severely restricted vision, but he continues to awe spectators with his dexterity and precision in the ring.

¡Que vivan los toros! - So what exactly is a bullfight?

Here is just a glimpse of what the students got to see at last Saturday´s corrida de toros. This is the third of the tercios (each corrida is divided into 3 segments, called tercios - a typical bullfight will showcase 6 to 8 separate corridas) in which man confronts beast and the bull is likely to meet it´s demise.

¡Feliz 4 de julio!

On behalf of all of us here in León, I´d like to wish everyone a safe, happy 4th of July! Today, we will be celebrating with our Spanish families and friends at a picnic in Monte San Isidro. Check back soon for pictures! :)

¡Que vivan los toros! - Living culture

Following an in-class discussion and a brief interview with their host families about the polemic topic, our students had the opportunity to decide for themselves whether the traditional corrida de toros is a form of culture or animal torture. The corrida, which started at approximately 6:15 and lasted about 3 1/2 hours, is held each year on the weekend in conjunction with the local fiestas of San Juan and San Pedro.

While a few of the host families were excited that some of the biggest names in the business (Fandi, Cayetano, Pandilla, etc...) were set to appear, the students themselves weren´t sure what to expect as we entered the arena. The vocabulary and background details learned in class and at home could not prepare them enough for what they were about to experience.

More to follow soon!!!!!!!

A typical Saturday in León...

When not heading out on an optional excursion, sleeping in or traveling to a nearby pueblo with their host families, many students find themselves at León´s morning market where everything from flowers to cheeses to fresh produce and even a pair of shoes (or two!) can be found. The market is held on from 9-1 in the Plaza Mayor and as a popular alternative to stores, where some of the best bargains can be found - giving students a chance to practice making their purchases en español.