Sports played in Spain
There is more to the sports in Spain than just soccer.
Although today traditionally the sports played in Spain has been dominated by football (soccer) both cycling and bullfighting are very much an integral part of the Spanish sports culture and have been around since the 17th Century. Certainly apart from bullfighting, cycling and soccer today there are many other sports being played in Spain such as golf and skiing.
Below however we will look more closely at some of the more well known sports that are now played in Spain.
1. Bullfighting
Originally the sport of bullfighting would take place in the village squares and only took on a more formal footing with the building of the bullring in Ronda during the late 18th Century. Bullfighting is made up of a sequence of events which in some cases will end in the death of the bull. However today there are bullfights taking place in Spain which do not result in the bulls being put to death. The stages of a bullfight are as follows:-
The entrance of the bull in to the ring.
Then first to fight the bull will be the picador who is then followed by the Banderillos and finally comes the Matador (bullfighter).
In Spain the style of bullfighting which takes place is known as Corrida de Toros (Toros means bull) and is also known as the Fiesta Brava. During the bullfighting the matador is expected to fight 2 out of the 6 bulls and each of this bulls will be at least 4 years old and weigh anything up to 600kg.
2. Cycling
This particular sport has become very important since the 1940's and now La Vuelta (The Tour of Spain) is certainly one of the most important cycling events to be competed in after The Tour of France. In fact you will find that there have been a number of Spanish cyclists who have actually one the Tour of France such as Frederico Bahamontes, Luise Ocana and Pedro Delgado. However, probably the most famous of all cyclists to come from Spain is Miguel Indurain who won the Tour of France five times in a row between 1992 and 1996.
Certainly cycling has become a very important sport in Spain and you will often see hundreds of Spanish supporters providing their support as their fellow Spaniards who are competing in events on the slopes of the Pyrenees.
Above we have provided details on two of the many sports played in Spain today but there are plenty of others which are much more important to specific regions of the country. However, as you will soon see that both golf and skiing are now gaining in popularity and there seems to be golf courses sprouting up all over the country and which are being used by golf enthusiasts from around the world and not just the Spanish.
Quick Tip #1
Barcelona city breaks are often cheaper if you travel midweek |
Quick Tip #2
When you arrive in Barcelona buy a guidebook as this will save you time and you can plan your city break. |
Quick Tip #3
Remember that you will need the Euro currency when in Barcelona ! |
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