Rejón

Rejón is a Spanish term referring to a long spear or pike, best known for its use in the traditional bullfighting style called rejoneo. In this discipline, a mounted bullfighter, the rejoneador, uses the rejón to wound and influence the bull from horseback as part of a sequence of maneuvers designed to demonstrate skill and control.

Description and variants: A rejón consists of a long wooden shaft with a metal head at the end. The heads and overall design vary, with some models intended for precise, controlled penetrations and others built for different handling requirements. Typical lengths can range from about 1.2 to 1.8 meters, depending on the rider’s preference and the stage of the performance.

Role in performance: During a rejoneo, the rejones are guided from the back of a trained horse to place injuries or affect the bull’s movements, in coordination with other elements of the show such as placing banderillas and, ultimately, the estocada. The exact sequence and technique can differ among schools and regions, but the instrument remains a central tool of the mounted handling of the bull.

Historical and cultural context: The rejón has its roots in cavalry traditions and was adapted into bullfighting as a distinctive and stylized form of the spectacle. It remains a subject of cultural debate; supporters view rejoneo as a traditional art form, while critics raise concerns about animal welfare. Regulations and attitudes toward bullfighting vary by country and region.

See also: bullfighting, rejoneo.