The matador
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It may be a dying spectacle in more ways than one, but matador Javier Jimenez says the people who oppose bullfighting have simply never gone to feel the intimacy and artistry of the contest.
"I have friends that don't like bullfighting, but they have never been," he says. "It's like a song or a painting; you don't know why you enjoy it, but it gets you deep down."
Spanish matador Lopez Simon stands during a bullfight.
Spanish matador Pepe Moral touches his face before a bullfight.
French matador Sebastian Castella puts on his montera.
Peruvian matador Roca Rey washes his face after killing a bull.
Spanish assistant bullfighter Vicente Herrera stands during a bullfight.
Spanish matador David Mora is seen after driving a sword into a bull.
Spanish matador Rafaelillo opens his jacket after killing a bull.
Spanish assistant bullfighter Francisco Javier Sanchez Araujo (right) gives a rose to Spanish matador Morante de la Puebla who holds a trophy, an ear of a bull.
Spanish matador Javier Castano washes his face splattered by bull's blood.
Spanish matador Julian Lopez "El Juli" walks wounded in his right gluteus after being gored by a bull.
Spanish assistant bullfighter is seen walking before a bullfight.
Story
Back in the ring, the bull's movements become ever more labored as the barbed stakes that have been stabbed deep into its neck drain its strength away.
With the hulk tottering, Jimenez raises his long, thin sword and swiftly delivers the "estocada," a deft strike through the shoulder blades to pierce its heart. The bull keels over and, as mules are brought in drag out the body, the band strike up again. This fight is over, the next one can begin.
