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Arena Las Ventas, the May Mecca of Spanish bullfighters.
With an hour to go before the show begins, a crowd gathers around the arena, and fans visit the stalls that are being set up.
Bars are crowded. Los Timbales is a popular place, renowned for its mementos of the great bullfighter Manuel Rodríguez "Manolete"
Madrid's monumental arena in the neomudéjar style can accommodate over 23,000 spectators.
The heroes of the bullfight arrive in gala costumes.
The picador on horseback will be first to perform.
The arena divides into premium-priced seating in the shade and budget-priced sunny sector seating.
At the outset, picadors on horseback test and tease the bull while the banderilleros distract him with their capes.
The matadors enter the arena.
Each matador will face two bulls.
The matador approaches the bull with red muleta in hand.
The matador's skill is more appreciated when he holds the muleta in his left hand.
. The bull should never touch the matador’s muleta.
Victory and prize: Álvaro Alarcón killed two bulls and was awarded two ears.
Corrida art. Photo Agnieszka Niewińska
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