Fans of the corrida in Guadalajara are passionate about their pastime, and Hermoso de Mendoza is one of their heroes.
The art of rejon, fighting bulls on horseback, is actually older than the traditional variety. It involves a spectacular show of horsemanship, as well as a fierce confrontation of man, horse and bull. High-bred and valuable horses are trained for this particular bullfighting speciality, with the horseman sometimes using up to five different horses against one bull. Hermoso de Mendoza’s horses are so famous that many fans are familiar with their particular styles and gates. To his credit, Hermoso de Mendoza never uses spiked spurs unlike most of his colleagues, who often finish the bullfight with their steeds bleeding from deep scratches on their flanks.
Countering the passion of the bullfight fans is a growing movement opposed to the practice and demanding its abolition. Protestors, organized by animal rights groups Igualdad Animal, have promised to be out in force at the Nuevo Progreso Sunday. Fans will be forced to walk a gauntlet of protestors in a demonstration that is expected to begin at 3:30 p.m.
Those interested in taking part in the protest should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For those who wish to see the bullfight, the action starts at 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at 80 pesos and go up to over 1,000 pesos for a front-row seat. Also on the bill are traditional matadors Fermin Rivera and Diego Silveti.