I once attended a bullfight in Escalon, California. I believe it was on Labor Day. I video taped it.

Now to set some of your minds at ease: Escalon is a center of transplanted Portugese culture. The bull fight was done in "the Portugese manner". From horseback. The bull was not killed (just humiliated?)even the placeing of the bandelleros was humane as they were attached to a velcro band strapped to the bull (honest!). The point of the bandelleros is to offset the bull's tendency to favor one side or another when he passes at the matador. The fight was considered over when it became obvious the bull wasn't having anymore of this and quit trying to fight. (At least that is what it seemed to me, perhaps there was something I missed.) The whole spectacle was quite impressive. The costumes where much closer to 17th century style than in Spanish bullfighting. The colors were magnificant and the bull was accorded great respect by the crowd. The matador rode three seperate mounts during the show. He was brought to the US from Portugal by the ranch which held the event. I cannot remember the Ranch's name or the name of the family that owned it. The "plaza de Toros" was authentic in architecture and appearance. The foods sold that evening were authentic, the band was wonderful, playing all the familiar tunes, and was composed of a wide variety of townsfolk from Escalon, some being in their 80's and some mere teenagers.

There was a 'halftime' show where a dozen young men (reportedly from the Escalon High School football team) lined up (in single file) to challange a single bull taunting it to rush at them. The bull obliged and the lead "team" member took the full force of the bull's attack the line of men struggled to hold the bull in place and the smallest of them, from the end of the line ran about and grabbed the bull's tail;. At that moment the team scattered for the safety of the barriers and the young fellow had a wild ride around the arena untill he had to let go.

I'm sure there could be some injury to the bull in this style of fighting, that I saw nothing obvious isn't necessicerally indicative of what happens during these fights. The velcro and capped (not removed) horns worked to keep any damage to a minimum but did not detract from the awsome spectacle of the evening's events.

I have seen many fights from both Mexico and Spain, in the 60's, where the bull is killed. Whatever the attraction of those fights the one I witnessed at Escalon lacked nothing of the drama and what it did lack, the brutal maiming and killing of a frightened animal, wasn't something I missed I can say truthfully.

I don't know if the bull ring still stands or if the ranch still puts on fights. Their schedule in the past was Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and perhaps one other day. The cost of admission was minimal, the show was primarily that of an ancient aspect of Portugese culture.

I have quite a few minutes on super 8 tape (remember that format?)of the show that night. If anyone is interested in a copy I'll try to make one and if they cover the cost (just sending it, not the tape itself) I forward it.

CB