Bloodless bull fights coming to the Hippodrome
Bullfighting is coming to the North Augusta Hippodrome Saturday, Sept. 25.
But, unlike some traditional bullfighting that is popular in Spain, Portugal and France, the event spectators will witness at the Hippodrome will be bloodless. The matadors will not even have weapons with them in the ring when they confront the bulls.
"It's not a blood sport by any shape or form," said LaFiesta USA Bull Fight and Festival Manager Russ Burgess. "It is more of a dance. The animals are not intimidated, prodded or poked. A cape will be the only thing between the matadors and the bull."
LaFiesta is bringing four bulls to North Augusta with them later this month for the event - four Portugal-bred lidia bulls that would have been destined for bullfighting rings in other countries where they most likely would have been killed, Burgess said. Only two bulls will be used in the ring, though.
Two matadors and a matadora will perform on Sept. 25 - Cesar Castaneda who is based in Tijuana, Mexico and who has performed in the biggest bullfighting ring in the world, Plaza Mexico; Lupita Lopez, who is poised to become the ninth female professional matadora; and Diego Martin, son of Raquel Martinez, who became the world's first professional female matadora in 1981.
"Raquel does this all over the United States," Burgess said. "Lupita Lopez - she is on the top of her game. This is something new, fresh, something people have always heard about but never seen."
In addition to the bullfighting, there will be children's rides and a bull riding contest.
Tickets for the 2010 LaFiesta USA Bull Fight and Festival are on sale now for $30. Ticket prices the day of the event at the gate will be $80.
The Hippodrome is located at 5547 Jefferson Davis Highway.
For more information, call (803) 917-3300 or visit www.lafiestausa.com.