VIDEO: Bloodless Bullfights at the Festival de Taurino in Artesia

The bulls were late, pushing back the bullfight at the Artesia D.E.S. for a few hours during last month's Festival de Taurino. But despite delays, hundreds of spectators along with the Filarmonica do Artesia D.E.S. band anxiously filled the arena's stands to welcome the highly-anticipated performers of the night.

Bloodless bullfights at the center involve a horseman (cavaleiro) and matadors attempting to stick long spears (banderillas) with ends covered in Velcro onto a separate piece of Velcro placed on the back of the bull. Because of the Velcro covering, the animal is not harmed by the contact. Cavaleiro Alberto Conde from Portugal,  Matador Cesar Castaneda and Matador Marcial Herce from Mexico headlined the traditional event. 

A group of eight men known as the Aposento de Turlock forcados (bull grabbers or suicide squad) also kept the crowd entertained during the festivities. During their  performance, the group lined up in the middle of the arena to try to grab the bull while it was charging at them. When the bull would charge at the front man, he would stay on the head of the bull while the rest of forcados would try to grab the bull until it was restrained. 

Follow the gallery of photos and watch the video of the forcados for some highlights of this lively event. And to learn more about Portuguese bloodless bullfights, click here.

Download the movie