Kurt Hegre

Bullfighting In Central California

Photo essay on Portuguese bloodless bullfighting in Central California.

Joe Correia waits atop his horse to enter the bullfighting ring in Madera, California.
   
A bullfighter lets out a yell as he enters the ring.
   
A group of men who herd the bull away from the riders waits outside the ring in Stevenson, California.
     
  
A young boy holds a sign with the name and weight of the bull.
   
Men gather outside the ring before a bullfight in Stevenson, California.
   
Most bullfights include a pageant and parade with a court of queens.
     
  
Forcados wait for their turn in the ring in Madera, California.
   
The forcados make a dramatic entrance into the ring where they subdue the bull using nothing more than their bare hands.
   
A matador stares into the sun at a bullfight in Madera, California.
     
  
Two forcados hang on to a charging bull in Madera, California.
   
A forcado knocked unconscious by a charging bull is taken from the ring in Madera, California.
   
A matador toys with a bull in Madera, California.
     
  
A group of local farmers watches a bullfight from their tractor in Laton, California.
   
A young fan tosses his hat into the ring as bullfighters take a victory lap in Madera, California.