CR Traditions
Yesterday I had the great opportunity to visit the Bullfight Plaza in Zapote.
Last year I missed it because of work but I wouldn’t let anything to hold me back this year. Bullfight is an old Christmas and New Year’s tradition in Costa Rica, but don’t be fooled by the common Bullfighting concept, Ticos have their own unique twist when it comes to Bullfighting and it is one crazy indeed.
It´s so hard to explain that I decided I would show you some pictures that should make it easier to understand.
Remarkable Differences
Don’t expect to find professionally dressed bullfighters risking their lives as they fight the animal to death. Nop… Not in Costa Rica… Instead expect to see regular people dressed with whatever they thought would be funnier or more comfortable to wear, it is quite common to see people dressed as Robin (Batman’s all time buddy), Superman, clowns, or whatever crazy outfit they came up with. These people are called “Improvisados” (improvised bullfighters), their mission is to enter the plaza all at the same time and dodge the attacks of the bull without any protection or advantage against the animal. – At this point you might be thinking that these improvised bullfighters should make good money to risk their lives as they do, but the reality is that they are all volunteering… That’s right no money but lots of glory.
Costa Ricans strongly disapprove animal cruelty therefore the bulls are not killed or suffer any harm during bullfighting. In fact “improvisados” know this and if they get caught hurting the animal they are immediately thrown out of the plaza… Oops! No glory for you my friend.
Watch out here comes a Bull!
Stay away boy!
Surrounded?
Time to run!
About the Author: Victor Campos is founder and marketing manager of Costa Rica Sunsets – Your friendly Costa Rica vacations site and travel agency.
