𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗢𝗦 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝟭𝟵𝟬𝟱 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀

 

A Historical “Corrida de Toros” in Matamoros

People were clamoring for admission to the amphitheater

Bull fighting had its origins in ancient times about 2000 BC. Evidence of such entertainment was discovered when wall paintings depicting some sort of contest between man and bull were unearthed in the Greek inland of Crete.

The early form of bull fighting was done on horseback, although fighting on foot became popular in the 18th century to observe notable occasions, royal weddings, military triumphs and religious ceremonies. 

It was also during this period that it became the enjoyment of the common people.

May 5, 1905, marked the beginning of the ancient sport of bull fighting in Matamoros

Brownsville Herald headlines read “Huge Crowd Cheers but Writer for Herald Was Not Impressed.”

The Herald described the festivities as follows:

Matamoros very much resembled a bee hive yesterday, the occasion being the Cinco de Mayo festivities and the first bull fight ever to take place in the city. 

Long before the hour of beginning the plaza de toros was crowded with an eager throng, clamoring for admission to the amphitheater. When the gates were opened the crowd began pouring in and before long the larger sitting capacity was filled with expectant people, many of whom were soon to see their first bull fight.

Since the celebration was a joint venture, in Brownsville, it was common for a local band to march down Elizabeth Street to announce “La Corrida de Toros.” 

Many from this side of the river were just as curious to see the first historical battle in the bull ring.

At 4:30 Mexican time, the sounds of trumpets, lively music and the 23rd Infantry band announced the entrance of the main characters. 

It was a spectacular event resembling the royal activities of ancient times.

After opening ceremonies subsided—a fierce bull brought from San Luis Potosi enter the arena, bringing the crowd to its feet.

It wasn’t before long that the animal had been tortured by several layers of individuals employed in this sport, but the bull, fierce as he was, gored a blindfolded horse to death, bringing silence from the crowd.

Although the bull showed obvious injury and fatigue as the matador failed on several attempts to eliminate the beast, he finally met his death with the crowd cheering the conquest.

The goring of the horse at the beginning of the fight disgusted many, who left at once, vowing that they had enough of the sport.

As mule teams removed the dead animal from sight, the sounds to introduce a bull rang again.

The second bull was less than eager to fight, as he displayed some regret to harm anyone.  Induced several times to charge the horse, bull number 2 refused to cooperate, remaining motionless as to have pity for the blindfolded horse. Because the animal lacked fighting spirit, the bugle sounded for his removal of the ring.

Bulls three through to five, also failed to demonstrate fighting spirit, refusing to inflict injury on their four-footed fellow sufferers.

The climax of the day came when a big black bull gored the mighty matador. Showing his anger by sending the matador high into the air. But, the black bull did not follow up his first attack; otherwise there would be one less matador today. This ended the first bull fight ever held in Matamoros. 

Many in the crowd had never seen this kind of sport, and after it was over several expressed the opinion that they never cared to see another.

The Brownsville Herald reporter covering the event said that this would be his first and last bull fight.

“As long as blindfolded horses are admitted to the ring to be mercilessly gored to death by angry bulls, I will never attend such event,” the reporter wrote.