Costa Rica bullfighting is an age old tradition stemming from the original Spanish settlers of Costa Rica. Nearly all cities and towns in Costa Rica have a bullfighting ring. Generally the bullfights are the center of attention during annual fiestas (festivals). In most Costa Rica bullfights, anyone in the crowd is welcomed and encouraged to join - just be sure to have your own health insurance!

In the early 1800's Costa Ricans would travel to the then capital city Cartago from all over the country to celebrate an event they called the "San Juan Fiestas". This event was very similar to the running of the bulls, which is celebrated in Mexico. Bulls would be released in the center of the city and spectators would "run with the bulls" to the bullfighting ring. Participants in this event were treated with celebrity status, being adorned with prizes and glory.

Though the "San Juan Fiestas" are no longer held, the bullfights continue at a local level. There are several approaches to these fights. The first is as seen in the above photo. Several spectators (usually young men) enter the ring with the bull. One of the young men holds a red banner, which is used to provoke the bull. The bull charges the banner and the "torero" moves out of the way. The other "toreros" move in, and at an opportune time, jump and wrestle the bull down. While the bull is held down, the torero that was holding the banner wraps rope around the bulls legs in a hogtie.

The other approach to a bullfight is to actually ride the bull as it bucks and spins in every attempt to loosen the rider! A good ride is considered to be 8 seconds. Some of the more skilled riders actually do this "no hands"!