Location: Ronda, Spain
The flamenco guitar filled the courtyard with its simplistic melody. “I don’t want to go just yet” she said clutching onto his hand. Granules of sand escaped through her fingers delicately like the time around her.
As we approached Ronda I was overwhelmed with astonishment. Rolling hills of yellow grass and olive groves kissed the feet of the soaring cliffs, where a trail of pristine white buildings rested. A majestic bridge joined the market quarter and the old quarter of the town together like two inseparable lovers. Below, green water lay trickling, transforming into a beautiful waterfall that lead towards the mountains in the not so distant horizon.
Ignoring one of the oldest bullfighting rings in Spain; we explored every inch of the bridge. We walked across it, under it, through it and cheekily, I climbed up it with childish glee.
I examined the terracotta pots exploding with colour that lined the maze of white walls; I was reminded of the bullfighting ring that was looming in my mind like a shadow. Months earlier I had typed cautiously in one of my emails “I hope you don’t mind. I don’t want to visit a bullfight.” I had never really articulated why, we had never before shared an in depth discussion.
Ignoring one of the oldest bullfighting rings in Spain; we explored every inch of the bridge. We walked across it, under it, through it and cheekily, I climbed up it with childish glee.
I examined the terracotta pots exploding with colour that lined the maze of white walls; I was reminded of the bullfighting ring that was looming in my mind like a shadow. Months earlier I had typed cautiously in one of my emails “I hope you don’t mind. I don’t want to visit a bullfight.” I had never really articulated why, we had never before shared an in depth discussion.
Bullfighting as we know it today with blood red capes and swords, originated in 1726 in the very town I was now standing. Some call it entertainment or tradition; I however would argue that it is ritualistic slaughter. I do not deny that bullfighting holds a strong significance to the Spanish culture, but I do not believe the ritual of slaying 1,000 bulls a year in the name of entertainment holds a place in this modern world. Numerous ancient traditions have been removed (Foot Binding, Pederasty, Cockfighting, Tibetan Sky Burials) and some have been simply modernised to maintain the custom in such a way that is not harmful or unethical. In Japan geishas are no longer bought as children but rather the tradition is maintained through free will.
We should modernise the ritual of bullfighting to acknowledge its influence on the Spanish culture but also, to ensure that no torture or cruelty is involved. As travellers it is our responsibility to learn about the value systems we financially support through our transactions. I think at some point we all need to ask ourselves, what are we supporting with our purchases? what behaviours are we endorsing?
After a day of exploring, we once more passed the bullring while returning to the car. I was no longer filled with curiosity. I walked away proudly knowing the choice I made was in line with my value systems. Or at least, I could take pride in knowing one animal wasn't tortured on my watch.
We should modernise the ritual of bullfighting to acknowledge its influence on the Spanish culture but also, to ensure that no torture or cruelty is involved. As travellers it is our responsibility to learn about the value systems we financially support through our transactions. I think at some point we all need to ask ourselves, what are we supporting with our purchases? what behaviours are we endorsing?
After a day of exploring, we once more passed the bullring while returning to the car. I was no longer filled with curiosity. I walked away proudly knowing the choice I made was in line with my value systems. Or at least, I could take pride in knowing one animal wasn't tortured on my watch.
(created by josé)