If you haven’t noticed, I’m deliberately attending as many types of events that feature bulls as the main attraction as possible. It’s becoming an obsession.
Someday soon I’m going to write a post about a bullfight. Right now I’m trying to sort out all my emotions about the controversal pastime that’s such a rage in this part of France.
The Feria du Riz in Arles was the perfect opportunity for me to do more research on the subject. Not only was there a bullfight, or “corrida,” there were also bulls running in the streets, an abrivado.
Running of the bulls – abrivado
Now that I’ve witnessed a few abrivados this year, I’m catching on to how they’re staged. Most importantly, I’m finding there are certain vantage points that are better than others if you want to actually see the bulls.
It works like this.
Both sides of the street are lined with metal fencing. That keeps out people who wouldn’t get near the bulls anyway because it’s easy to squeeze between the bars of the fencing. At the starting place of the abrivado there’s an enclosed truck that’s filled with bulls. At the opposite end of the route, in Arles, a flatbed trailer truck was stationed between the two sides of fencing.
For my first abrivado/bandido, I watched from the starting point when the bulls ran out of the truck. In Arles, I wised up a bit and went to the opposite end to get a better view. That’s where the bulls and horses turn around to run back to the starting place.
At the beginning of the abrivado, men and women on horseback — bandidos — start the spectacle by riding in tandem along the route, which is usually the main street of the town or village. These “cowboys” proudly parade their white Camargue horses before an appreciative crowd.
After the horses and riders parade past a few times, the bulls are released.The bandidos run along beside and in front of the bulls to keep them herded together.
When they reach the end of the course, they all turn around and race back up the street.
That’s when all the kids in town chase after them all.
Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Now, if that sounds boring, it’s not. It’s exhilarating — for me, at least. Let’s just say, it beats watching grown men run back and forth for hours chasing a football. (Sorry sports fans!)
The arena and corrida
Anything that takes place in Arles is going to be a unique experience. It is an ancient city where the present and the past intermingle seamlessly.
When walking down the street, on several occasions, it took my breath away when I realized I was standing beside a Roman forum, or strolling through a park Van Gogh had sketched.
The arena in Arles is not just a shrine to the Roman days of Gaul, it’s a lively gathering place for local events, including ferias and rock concerts.
During the Feria du Riz the steps of the arena were the stage for a “battle of the bands.”
The inside of the arena is a vision straight out of a history book. Having attended events at both the arena in Arles and in Nimes, I’m surprised there has been so little “modernizing” of either structure. These facilities would be off-limits to visitors if in the States. Getting up and around in the seating areas in the arenas is treacherous, even for the able-bodied. I’m not complaining… just saying .
Seating in the arena is on stones. Some sections have wooden seats over the stones. Depending on how close you want to get to the “action”, the price of seats runs accordingly. The most expensive spots are less than midway up the side of the arena and out of the direct sun.
As mentioned at the start, more detail about bullfights is yet to come. I’m finishing up Hemingway’s novels on the subject. He studied bullfighting with some of the greatest matadors of all times. Next my mission is to learn more about the modern corrida and the local controversies.
Stay tuned.
For more posts on bulls, bullfighting and events, check these out:
Arles’ Feria du Riz: Food and Fashion
The Fete Votive 2014 Finale: Bulls, Belles, Bands and Bubbles.
Uzes’ Fete Votive: The Psychedelic and Bizarre
Back to the Camargue: The White Horses
Are you getting Barefoot Blogger posts by email?
If you’re not receiving new posts by email, just send me your email address in “comments” and I’ll add you to the list. Privacy? All comments are reviewed by me before they appear online. Your email information will not be published.
Categories: Arles, Around France, Blog, Chapter 4: Life in France Part Two, Day Trip
Your description of the bulls running thru the streets was so helpful. Do you know how we can find out what time that starts and where the place is that you recommend for watching? Also, when in the arena for the bullfights, what seating area do you recommend, mid-priced, and what area will keep us out of the sun? Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Hi JoAnne. So excited to hear you’re interested in these types of celebrations. They are so much a part of the culture. You should be able to find time of the bull runs through the tourist office. For the Féria, I strongly recommend staying out of the sun. To me, it’s worth the extra price. Since I’m always photographing everything, I like to sit as close as possible to the floor of the arena. The seating diagram at the ticket sales office should tell you what you need to know. I wish I could tell from this map which seats are out of the sun…perhaps you can call or somehow figure the orientation of the arena from this diagram https://arenes-arles.com/reservation-2021.html Enjoy and let me know what you think!
It’s so exciting to read about your life in France. We would love to try a few months in Europe, maybe someday. I’m sure it varies, what approxament cost is nesscesary per year or monthly?
Cost if living where I am seems comparable to the US. Housing is a bit more affordable. Airfare is the problem if you want to visit the US often, but travel in Europe is very reasonable by sit and train. Go for it!
Whatever one thinks about Bullfighting, it definitely adds colour and life to the region.
We just don’t have anything like that where I live.
You’re right. It is one of the highlights of my year.