COSTA RICA BULLFIGHTING

This popular sport only has only one rule.

The bull is NEVER killed or injured.

As you probably know, this tiny country is a democracy so here, in the land of Pura Vida, ANYBODY can be a bullfighter.

Well, not exactly.

More of a bull-chasee (I made this word up).

When you travel Costa Rica it’ll be immediately obvious that Ticos love a good fiesta and if you come in December you’ll be in the heart of the holiday season.

There are parades (the largest being in San Jose) and family and friend get-togethers leading up to Christmas and then. . .

Zapote.

But its highlights are the “Toros a la Tica.” Bullfighting, Tica style. Sort of a combination American style rodeo and Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls.

The most famous cattle ranches in Costa Rica bring bulls (450 kilos/1000 pounds or larger) for the exciting contests.

Dozens, sometimes a couple of hundred amateur matadors, climb into the ring and nervously await the entrance of the bull while thousands of Ticos crowd the stands and encourage them onward.

Usually El Toro comes out of the chute alone but, occasionally, a brave Tico mounts the animal and rides the bucking critter out (spurs are not allowed because Ticos do not want to cause pain).

As it storms the ring (with or without rider), the toreros wildly wave their arms or tee-shirts until the beast charges or feints and then they (bravely?) run away as quickly as possible.

When they reach safety, their friends and fellow matadors joyously pat their backs in celebration while the stands erupt with applause and laughter. A few really brave---make that foolish--even try to crawl under or somersault over it to the delight of the audience.

Earlier, I said that there’s only one rule: the bull cannot be hurt. Actually, there’s a second: there are no rules for the toro. He’s free to chase, catch, stomp, and gore.

Ambulances are always standing by because dozens of bullfighters are injured (and occasionally someone is killed—that’s why it’s called bullfighting) during the festivities.

OK, fellow traveler, interested in becoming bullfighter-for-a-day on your Costa Rica vacation?

Zapote hosts Toros a la Tica every afternoon and evening from Christmas through January 6.

If you want to be on television, this is your chance because it's nationally televised.

And if you’re lucky enough to be chased or---better yet---gored, the nation will sit in rapt attention as the action is replayed over-and-over again. Just look at the fellow in this picture. Think of the stories he (or his surviving mother) has to tell! Should the prospect of getting stomped or gored by a half-ton enraged beast not fit so well into your Costa Rica vacation plans, you can join the fun in the stands, of course (but wouldn't it be more fun to be part of the action?)

Don’t fret if you can’t travel to Costa Rica for Toros a la Tica at Christmas.

Palmares has a huge fair in January and Guanacaste always has the most dangerous, killer bulls in July. Plus, smaller communities enjoy this playful sport (?) during various celebrations.

Don’t let the Ticos have all the fun. Climb into the ring. Be brave. Taunt. Then run like crazy. Have fun.

And, for a really memorable experience, bring your montero (the special hat showing you're a true matador) and a red cape. You’ll be on TV. I guarantee it. Like this Gringo bullfighting in Costa Rica! click to watch

Oh, one more thing: don't worry about medical expenses because you can buy insurance (no bull!) just before you climb into the ring.

Bullfighting, Costa Rica style.

Pura Vida!

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