Bull jumping over the burladero (1950)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The golden age
In Mexico from the 1940s to the 1960s, bullfighting was a captivating spectacle that attracted movie stars and competed with other popular sports of the time. This period left a romantic imprint on the history of bullfighting.
Silverio Pérez (1958)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Legends
During this period, renowned world-class bullfighters emerged, such as Silverio Pérez, the famed 'Faraón' ('Pharaoh') of Texcoco, Fermín Espinoza Armillita, Luis Castro 'El Soldado' ('The Soldier'), Joselito Huerta, and Jorge 'El Ranchero' ('The Rancher') Aguilar.
Fermín Espinoza "Armillita" (1945)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
In the annals of history
These brave Mexican bullfighters rivaled their Spanish counterparts of the time, such as Luis Miguel Dominguín, Manolete, and Manuel Benítez El Cordobés, and were even considered popular 'idols'.
Romance and modernization in Mexico
The golden age of bullfighting coincided with economic growth and a transformation from rural to urban in Mexico. The bullfighting arenas had a larger capacity than the soccer stadiums. The romanticism of bullfighting prevailed in a country undergoing modernization.
Panoramic view of Plaza Mexico (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The grand venue
It is important to remember that, before the inauguration of the Olympic Stadium in 1952, the largest venue in Mexico City (and the entire country) was the Monumental Plaza de Toros México, which opened in 1946.
Attendance records
With a capacity of 46,000 spectators, the Monumental Plaza de Toros México far surpassed its predecessor, El Toreo de la Condesa, which had a capacity of about 25,000 spectators. The Azteca Stadium surpassed this record in 1966 with a capacity of 105,000.
The public applauding (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Idols of the people
Although not just anyone could be a bullfighter, 'tauromaquia' (bullfighting) was present in Mexican everyday life. Children imitated their bullfighting idols in the streets, adults debated in taverns, and movie theaters showed exciting bullfights in Mexico, Spain, and South America.
Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” in a bullfight (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Cinematic bullfighting
Cantinflas' movies, such as 'Neither Blood nor Sand' and 'Around the World in Eighty Days', masterfully captured the romantic essence of bullfighting. Other films, like 'The Young and the Damned' and 'Dos Tipos de Cuidado' ('Two Guys to be Afraid of') also passionately explored the world of bullfighting.
María Félix and Agustín Lara (1948)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Showbiz and stardom
Deeply rooted in Mexican society, bullfights attracted personalities like María Félix. Bullfighters like Manuel Capetillo ventured into cinema, while national and international actresses experienced passionate romances with renowned bullfighters.
The singer Lola Beltrán (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Forbidden romance
The passionate romance between Lola Beltrán and Alfredo Leal stood out as one of the most talked-about of the era. The bullfighting world had the power to captivate hearts.
María Félix and Agustín Lara (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Bullfighting melodies
Bullfights inspired prominent Mexican composers like Agustín Lara, who wrote famous pasodobles such as 'Silverio,' 'Novillero,' 'Granada,' and 'Madrid.' His romantic music has endured over time, transporting us to the allure of bullfighting.
The actress Miroslava (1950)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Identity crisis
In the end, bullfighting continued to be popular until the 1990s. However, with the advent of the new century, new imported entertainments and a heightened new sensitivity to animal life caused a crisis in the sport.
Faena de Francisco “Curro” Rivera (1969)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Learning from history
In the midst of the debate over the ban on bullfighting, delving into the 'golden age' gives us an understanding of how Mexican society enjoyed and built its identity in its leisure time.
Sketch by the sculptor Humberto Peraza (1950) by Humberto PerazaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The romantic world of bullfighting
Beyond the controversy surrounding bullfighting, immersing ourselves in this fascinating journey allows us to explore a romantic world steeped in tradition and passion, connecting us with the nationalist narrative of 20th-century Mexico.
Panoramic view of Plaza Mexico (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Bullfighting in Mexico:
The 'golden age' of bullfighting in Mexico was an exciting period that united tradition and national identity, leaving a significant cultural legacy in the 20th century.
This story was created with information and support from Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.