Bullfighting in Oman

Bullfighting or toreo also known as tauromachia or tauromachy is a traditional spectacle of Spain, Portugal, southern France, some Hispanic American countries and the Philippines, in which one or more bulls are baited, and then killed in a bullring for the entertainment of the audience. As such, it is often called a blood sport by its detractors, but followers of the spectacle regard it as a 'fine art' and not a sport, as there are no elements of competition in the proceedings. In Portugal, it is now illegal to kill a bull in the arena, so it is removed and either professionally butchered or, in exceptional cases, treated and released into its owners' fields.

The tradition, as it is practiced today, involves professional toreros (of which the most senior is called a matador) who execute various formal moves which can be interpreted and innovated according to the bullfighter's style or school. It has been alleged that toreros seek to elicit inspiration and art from their work and an emotional connection with the crowd transmitted through the bull. Such maneuvers are performed at close range, which places the bullfighter at risk of being gored or trampled. After the bull has been hooked multiple times behind the shoulder by other matadors in the arena, the bullfight usually concludes with the killing of the bull by a single sword thrust, which is called the estocada. In Portugal, the finale consists of a tradition called the pega, where men (forcados) try to grab and hold the bull by its horns when it runs at them.

In Oman, however, the bull fighting is not lethal. It is seen as a sport rather than an art as there is always a clear winner in the arena. Two Brahman bulls are presented to each other and allowed to lock horns and fight, while their handlers hold ropes to separate them if necessary. The origins of bullfighting in Oman are unknown, though locals believe it was brought to Oman by the Moors who had conquered Spain. Its existence in Oman and the UAE is also attributed to Portugal which colonized the Omani coastline for nearly two centuries, and also introduced bullfighting to Omani Zanzibar.

Matadors describe traditional bullfighting as a dance with death. Omanis seem to dislike this idea of a human life being put in danger and thus fight two bulls against one another. The bulls are restrained and can be seperated during the fight as their owners do not want blood to be shed. The bulls suffer a lot of humiliation but are not really physically hurt by the fighting that goes on.

The bulls are bred for fighting and winners can fetch up to RO 2,500. Matches start at around 16:00 during the winter months in Barka and As Seeb. Admission is free.