Cultural Conditions and Social Consequences of the Functioning of Tauromachical Schools in Spain

Abstract

Corrida de toros is a centuries-old Spanish tradition. For many years we have observed a significant increase in the number of activities criticizing the organization of such shows.
Therefore, bullfights can be described as a difficult tradition. The article touches upon the issue of tauromachical schools in the context of research on difficult traditions and cultural conditions of their practice. In addition, the social consequences of bullgfight and the activities of schools for those who want to become toreros were analysed. Tauromachical schools operate in almost all regions of Spain, although most of them are in Andalusia and Castile-La Mancha. The programme of teaching in these schools must be compatible with the programmes of public (or private) schools carrying out their educational duties. Children and adolescents can enroll in such school with their parents’ consent. The participation of children and adolescents in practical activities is very controversial: fighting young bulls or heifers, injuring them and killing them. Research conducted on children experiencing the view of the corrida de toros does not bring a clear assessment that it has a negative impact on their mental health. However, opponents of tauromachy in the discourse of corrida de toros are citing this type of argumentation.