Bull fighting, or the corrida de toros, is a Venezuelan tradition that can be traced back to colonial times. The roots of bull fighting can be traced from Spanish and Llanero influence. Ships from Europe brought bulls and cattle to South America where they found home in the plains. Today, bull fighting is a Llanero tradition and is celebrated because of its cultural importance. To many, bull fighting isn't considered a sport but an art form. This traditional act takes place at many important and popular festivals throughout the year in Venezuela. Feria Del Sol, also known as the Bull Fighting Carnival of America, is the most famous celebration that takes place in Merida each year. The festival consists of a week of bullfighting events, food, parades, and concerts.
Coleo is another popular Llanero sport that involves bulls. The goal of this game is to pull the bull down by the tail while riding around on a horse. The person who tips over the bull the most in a set amount of time wins the game.
Llanero and bull fighting, although a major part of Venezuelan culture, is considered wrong by many people around the world. The controversy of animal cruelty vs tradition is often brought up when debating if this act is right or wrong.
Overall, no matter which side one agrees with, bull fightiing and coleo are both interesting parts of traditional Venezuelan culture that still live on today.
Coleo is another popular Llanero sport that involves bulls. The goal of this game is to pull the bull down by the tail while riding around on a horse. The person who tips over the bull the most in a set amount of time wins the game.
Llanero and bull fighting, although a major part of Venezuelan culture, is considered wrong by many people around the world. The controversy of animal cruelty vs tradition is often brought up when debating if this act is right or wrong.
Overall, no matter which side one agrees with, bull fightiing and coleo are both interesting parts of traditional Venezuelan culture that still live on today.
http://www.ipsnews.net/2007/04/venezuela-bull-fights-cultural-tradition-or-national-disgrace/
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/10/world/americas/10coleo.html?_r=0
'Venezuela', Elizabeth Gackstetter Nichols, Kimberly Morse
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/10/world/americas/10coleo.html?_r=0
'Venezuela', Elizabeth Gackstetter Nichols, Kimberly Morse