NOVILLADA
The “Novillada” is usually defined by three essential elements:
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The swordsmen are bullfighters on foot that haven’t yet received the title of “Matador de Toros”. However, they have to know how to face the animal with an artistic purpose. Therefore, before becoming Novilleros, they must attend a bullfighting school and practice for a long time with becerros (one or two year old bulls). Alfonso Ortiz, Angel Tellez, Toñete, Francisco de Manuel, Pablo Mora, Lagartijo de Córdoba, Jorque Iglesias, Javier Orozco are some of the most famous Novilleros currently
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The animals used in this case are Novillos, usually younger than the bulls fighting in a Corrida de Toros. Victorino Martín, Miura, Fuente Ymbro, Dolores Aguirre, Samuel Flores, Parlade, Victoriano del Río are some of the most famous stockbreeders.
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The “Novillada” is divided in three main phases ( Tercios ): a) Tercio de Varas, in which the “Picador”, with his lance, steps forth to weaken the Novillo`s strength. b) Tercio de Banderillas, in which the “Banderillas” jab the Novillo’s neck. C) Tercio de Muerte, during which time the Novillo is put to death. . It consists of preparing the bull for its death and of killing it by the use of the sword. The amount of time it takes to execute the bull’s death is limited and is indicated by warning signals given by the presidency. The most important of these signals are directed to the Novillero who, through lack of experience, uses an excessive amount of time to consummate the death of the bull. The correct thrusting of the sword is one that penetrates to the bull of the sword.
Once the bull is dead, the audience, by applause and whistles, judges the novillero ́s performance and, as such, influences the final ruling from the president. Currently twenty one Novilladas are held in Las Ventas Bullring of Madrid every year.
