What is a lance in bullfighting?

A picador (Spanish pronunciation: [pikaˈðoɾ]; pl. picadores) is one of the pair of horse-mounted bullfighters in a Spanish-style bullfight that jab the bull with a lance. They perform in the tercio de varas, which is the first of the three stages in a stylized bullfight.

Do bullfights still happen?

Although legal in Spain, some Spanish cities, such as Calonge, Tossa de Mar, Vilamacolum and La Vajol, have outlawed the practice of bullfighting. There are only a few countries throughout the world where this practice still takes place (Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador).

What does picador mean?

bullfight
: a horseman in a bullfight who jabs the bull with a lance to weaken its neck and shoulder muscles.

When did they stop using the Lance in bullfighting?

During the reign of Philip IV (1621–65), the lance was discarded in favour of the rejoncillo (short spear), and leg armour was introduced to protect the mounted bullfighters. As knowledge of the nobles’ prowess spread beyond their domains, they were invited to competitive jousts in provincial tournaments.

What is the shape of the Lance in a Spanish bullfight?

They perform in the tercio de varas which is the first of the three stages in a Spanish bullfight. The shape of the lance or pica is regulated by Spanish law to prevent serious injury to the bull which was viewed as unfair cheating in the past.

What do you call a bullfighter on horseback?

In the context of a traditional bullfight with a matador and his cuadrilla, another type of bullfighter on horseback is the picador. They are named for the lance or pica that they use to stab the bull during the first stage of the fight, known as the tercio de varas. What is a female bullfighter called?

Who is the junior bullfighter in the bullfight?

Fighting of mature bulls commences only after a special match, called “the Alternative”. At this same bullfight, the novillero (junior bullfighter) is presented to the crowd as a matador de toros .

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