Bullfighting with the “Muleta” requires bleeding the bull of its strength, brought
on by the actual bleeding that occurs when the lance punctures the bull’s back.
The Stage of Varas is the phase in which the bull is lanced by the Picador in order to
weaken it and prepare it for the Stage of Muleta (Suerte de Muleta).
The bleeding that depletes the bull of its energy must not be excessive but just
enough to calm its frenetic reactions.
The Stage of Varas is also a sort of test to gauge the fierceness of the bull. Only two
Picadores can be present in the bullring at the same time.
Two white circles painted on the sand in the ring create a boundary within which
the “Picadores” must remain.