Bullfighting 1952

I was lucky enough to find these wonderful postcards a couple of weeks ago, at the street market outside the Plaza in Mexico City, just before the bullfights.  Not a complete set, as there are 10 total in the set, and I have to wonder how long it will be before I am able to find the rest of them.   Less then a nickle apiece for these beauties.  I have mentioned in the past about how demanding bullfighting aficionados/fans are, and they can either make or break a Toreador/Matador's career.  You don't win their support with a snow cone, a hand shake or an autographed 8 X 10.  You win their support by performing brilliantly, fearlessly, and flawlessly.  No other way, that's it.  And the aficionado/fan keeps extensive record's of each on of your "outings" and nothing gets past them.  I learned something I did not know(which amazed me, frankly  :) ) in talking with some of these gentlemen, about what happens if someone "tanks" or makes a bad kill in the bull ring.   A lousy Toreador/Matador who runs away afraid, or botches the final moment with a poor, clumsy estocada  if often times made to pay for the bull that he has dishonored and disrespected with his lame "tercio de muerte".  Some of the finer fighting bull rang in value from as little as 5,000 to as much as 25,000 for some of the best.   Not only does it behoove the Toreador/Matador to perform to perfection to assure a "skyrocketing career", but financially it makes good sense.

If circus fans were that demanding, I have to wonder where my profession would be today?

Toreador Song--English Translation
One of the most famous arias from the opera Carmen

Your toast, I can give it to you
Sirs, sirs, for with the soldiers
Yes, the Toreros, can agree;
For pleasure, for pleasure
They have fights!
The arena is full,
it is a celebration day!
The arena is full, from top to bottom;
The spectators, losing their heads,
The spectators call to one another with a great din!
Rude shouts, cries and uproar
grow into a furor!
For it is a celebration of courage!
It is the celebration of strong-hearted men!
Come on, on guard! Come on! Come on! Ah!
Toreador, on guard! Toreador, Toreador!
And think, yes, think as you fight,
That a dark eye is watching you,
And that love awaits you,
Toreador, love, love awaits you!
And think, think as you fight,
That a dark eye is watching you
And love awaits you
Toreador, love, love awaits you!
All of a sudden, people fall silent
People fall silent ...
Ah, what is happening?
No more shouts! The moment has come!
No more shouts! The moment has come!
The bull charges forward
Bounding from the Toril!
He charges forward! He enters.
He strikes! A horse rolls,
Dragging a picador,
Ah, Bravo! Bull! The crowd roars!
The bull goes, he comes,
He comes and strikes again!
Shaking his banderillas,
Full of fury, he rushes!
The arena is full of blood!
People are fleeing, they jump over the railings
It is your turn now. Come on!
On guard! Come on! Come on! Ah!
Toreador, on guard! Toreador, Toreador!
And think, yes, think as you fight,
That a dark eye is watching you,
And that love awaits you,
Toreador, Love, love awaits you!
And think, yes, think as you fight,
That a dark eye is watching you
And that love awaits you
Toreador, love, love awaits you!
Love! Love! Love!
Toreador, Toreador, Toreador!

Enjoy some of the greatest music ever written, Pasodoble
















 



Sometimes Pasodobles will be named after famed Matador's.  These are the El Cordobes, and the Pablo Hermoso de Mendosa my favorites, named after the gentleman in the link below.  Imagine having your own music.............