Ten traditions to look out for at Pamplona's Bullfights

Spanish bullfights have a longstanding history involving several traditions that most visitors are unaware of. Here are ten traditions to look out for when you go to a bullfight this summer!

1. Painting the Rings: Before every bullfight, two large, circular rings are painted in red paint in the sand of the arena. These circles dictate where the bullfighters must fight at different parts of la corrida. For example, the picadors, who fight on horseback, must remain outside the outer ring. 
2. Paseillo: The paseillo, or "little walk," is the opening procession of every bullfight, during which the three matadors walk across the arena with their personal cuadrilla (entourage) of banderilleros (bullfighters on foot who use darts to weaken the bull), picadors (bullfighters on horseback who use lances to weaken the bull), and a mozo de espadas (sword page).
3. Los alguacilillos: Leading the procession mentioned above are two individuals called "alguacilillos," who ride on horseback while dressed in a black cape and a feathered hat. These individuals receive the blessing of the president of the bullring to commence the fight, and they symbolically receive the keys to officially open the bullpen. 
4. El Despejo: Once the procession ends, the alguacilillos remain in the arena. They then ride their horses around the perimeter of the bull ring in opposite directions. In unison, the audience cries out at an increasing volume while the alguacilillos quickly approach, ending with a thunderous "Olé" when they gallop past each other, narrowly crossing each other's paths. This tradition symbolizes the "despejo" (clearing) that took place before bullfights several centuries ago, when the alguacilillos were tasked with clearing out the public square of townspeople such that a bullfight could safely commence.
5. Pasodobles: Throughout the bullfight, you'll hear the orchestra of the Plaza de Toros play several traditional pasodobles. Pasodobles are instrumental songs that originated in the 18th century, which were based on military marching songs. The songs are played at bullfights to honor the bullfighters and to mark transitions in the fight (such as the transitions between the three acts of the fight). Some of the most notable pasodobles that you're sure to hear at a bullfight in Pamplona are Suspiros de España and España cañí.
6. Dedicating the fight: Matadors enter the ring wearing traditional black hats called monteras; before making their "passes" at the bull, they dedicate the fight to a certain person or loved by giving them their hat. Often, matadors will walk to the center of the Plaza de Toros and turn in a circle to acknowledge the crowd in order to dedicate the fight to the audience. After their dedication, matadors may toss their hats in the air. If the hat lands right-side-up, it means the matador will have good luck in his fight. However, if it lands upside-down, it means the matador may need a few extra prayers from the audience during his fight.
7. The Passes: The most artistic part of the bullfight are the "passes," or cape movements and flourishes. Many of these techniques are hundreds of years old, dating back to the very first bullfights. Read about these cape passes in more detail here.
8. Exchanging the Swords: In the third act of the bullfight, the matador enters the arena to perform various passes that assess the bull's strength and movements while highlighting the matador's confidence and artistry. During these final passes, called the faena, he uses a fake sword, or the "estoque simulado." However, when the matador is prepared to finish the fight, he will go to the edge of the arena to request that his mozo de espadas (sword page) exchange his fake sword for a real, steel sword, or the "estoque de verdad," which he will use to kill the bull. 
9. Receiving Awards: Usually, the matador does not receive any awards for a particular bullfight. However, if a matador does a particularly impressive job, the mayor may award him a "trophy" for his fight. There are three levels of possible awards: one of the bull's ears, both of the bull's ears, or the bull's tail. Receiving the bull's tail is the highest possible honor for a matador, and it is very rarely awarded. If you keep an eye on the presidential box after a spectacular fight, you may notice that the mayor will display one white ribbon, two white ribbons, or three white ribbons over their desk. These ribbons will dictate the level of the award given to the matador.
10. Exit Procession: At the end of the sixth and final bull, the best matador (or matadors, if there are several great fights!) may be carried out of the arena through a special exit on the shoulders of his fans. Local brass bands will play lively music to accompany this impromptu procession, and you may get the chance to shake the matador's hand or get a picture with him. If you would like to catch this heartwarming tradition, quickly walk to the "Callejón" (the wide entrance to the bullring that the bulls run through in the morning) immediately after the fight.