Bullfighting is a traditional Spanish ritual that goes back hundreds or, according to some historians, perhaps even tens of thousands of years. The bullfight is above all about the demonstration of style, technique and courage. Although there’s usually little doubt about the outcome, the bull is not viewed as a sacrificial victim. Rather, he is seen by the audience as a worthy adversary, deserving of respect in his own right.

Ernest Hemingway said of bullfighting in his 1932 non-fiction book Death in the Afternoon: “Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter’s honour.” Indeed, many bullfighters have been seriously injured or killed by bulls.

For a number of reasons, the interest in bullfighting in Spain is waning. Whereas 51% of those 65 and older express interest in bullfighting, only 23% of those between 25–34 years of age express any interest in it. In Catalonia (including Barcelona), the “anti-Spain” sentiment has led the Catalonian government to prepare to outlaw bullfighting there. Eventually, as interest in bullfighting fades, the ritual will disappear from Spanish culture.

Fortunately, if you have an interest in seeing a bullfight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities in Granada. In fact, late spring and early summer are prime bullfighting season.