Toreo

Toreo is the practice and art of bullfighting, performed by a torero (also called matador) in a bullring. The term, derived from toro (bull), denotes the stylized performance in which the bullfighter tests and controls the bull through a sequence of passes with the cape and later with the muleta. It is most strongly associated with Spain and with various Latin American countries where bullfighting has historical roots.

A typical corrida is structured into three stages, known as tercios. In the tercio de varas, a picador on horseback weakens the bull with a lance. In the tercio de banderillas, banderilleros plant short, barbed sticks to further tire the animal. In the tercio de muleta, the matador performs a series of passes with the muleta (and sometimes the cape) to demonstrate control and artistry, before delivering the estocada, the killing blow, and the bull’s death, or the animal being withdrawn from the ring.

The practice is part of a long-standing cultural tradition in some regions, but it is also the subject of significant ethical debate. Supporters regard it as a form of cultural expression and performance art, while opponents condemn animal cruelty and advocate bans or reforms. Legal status and public funding for bullfighting vary by country and region.

Within the bullfighting world, toreo encompasses a range of specialized roles, such as matador, novillero, capes and muleta work, and the choreography of various passes. As attitudes toward animal welfare evolve, discussions about the future of toreo continue in many societies.