Costa Rica Bull Fighting

Bull fighting, or corridas de toros, is different from the blood sport you find in Mexico and Spain. In Costa Rica bull fighting is where riders will challenge the bull, and when they are thrown, matadors take over distracting and tiring the bull with their cape. Finally, cowboys on horses rope the bull and lead it from the ring. There is no blood drawn in this sport when you come see it with your San Jose, Costa Rica car rental.

History of bull fighting

Bull fighting started in Costa Rica in the early 1800s. When you visit with your San Jose, Costa Rica rental car, you may learn that it was originally very much like the Running of the Bulls in Spain, where bulls were let loose on the street and the runners would end up in the bull ring with the gates closed behind them. Today, the event is very different and has evolved from the Spanish tradition. The runs consist of bullfighters that take turns jumping in the ring to tease the bull, but it is illegal to kill the bull in Costa Rica. Anywhere from five to thirty people can be in the ring, but it is more comic because the bullfighters will jump to safety.

Special events

One time of the year when you will find bull fighting is during the Christmas holidays. At this time of year, Costa Ricans celebrate the Festejos Populares to celebrate the year that has passed and the New Year to come. This mainly takes place in the capital, but is famous throughout the country. One of the main events of Festejos Populares is bull fighting and the national horse parade.

Fairs and topes

When you are in Costa Rica with your car rental San Jose, you will find that the country is famous for its fairs and horseshows (topes). These take place around the country many weekends of the year, so be sure to see what is happening in the area you plan on visiting. Most fairs include games and rides for kids, as well as music and dancing. Some of the larger fairs will also have live concerts, where you can see excellent local bands. Larger fairgrounds, such as the one in San Jose, also have a permanent bullring, while others will erect a bullring for the duration of the fair. Bull fights are a big part of the culture here and take place at many of the fairs. People (mostly men), get into the bull ring and annoy the bull by trying to touch it, pull the tail, or other annoying moves. Most of the time, this is a safe event, but there are accidents that happen. Be prepared to cover kids eyes if things start to look like the bull is winning.

San Jose

When you are here with your rental car San Jose, Costa Rica, you will find the city of San Jose has a lot to offer you all year long. The area of El Pueblo has more than 50 bars, clubs, and shops in a small area. You can also visit the downtown area for a number of cafes. The National Theater and the Melico Salazar have a large calendar of cultural activities that you can see, including dance groups, music, and other performances.

When you are here with your San Jose, Costa Rica car rental, you will find that bull fighting is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. This is not the violent bull fighting that you find in Spain and Mexico, but things can go wrong, so you may want to be careful with kids.