In Gods name

1

• In Gods name?

2
The Toro de la VegaTordesillas (Spain)
Without roots.. Nothing!
3
Tordesillas is a town of the Valladolid province,
30 kms from the capital with 8,686 inhabitants
It is located on the banks of the river
Duero.Its origins are a high fortification that
was used to survey and keep guard of the fields.
It was a Royal Court, town-prison of the
Castillian Queen Juana de Castilla, Juana la
loca (the crazy).Its most important event was
the 1494 Tordesillas Treary, when Spain and
Portugal split the New World between them. It has
one of the most famous fiestas of the
buyllfighting world.
4
Tordesillas

5
Tordesillas
6
Monument to the Toro de la Vega
7
Monument to the Toro de la Vega
8
Monument to the Toro de la Vega
9
Posters inviting spectators to the massacre of
the poor animal
10
Poster of Chronicle of a Death Foretold
Stickers
11
Macabre! Lottery ticket with an image of the
Toro de la Vega.
12
Tradition Transmission of news, literary
works, doctrines, rituals
and costumes. Culture Lifestyles, costumes,
knowledge, and degree of artistic,
scientific and industrial development. Art
Work or activity with which man imitates and
expresses
in a aesthetic sense the
material or immaterial.
13
Tradition is a great force of obstruction, it is
the force of the laziness of history.

Friedrich Engels, 1.820 1.895

German
Philosopher When are we going to understand that
the emotional cult to tradition is only a form
of mental laziness?. Stanislav
Brzozowski, 1.878 1.911
Polish Philosopher
14
The moral progress and development of a nation
can be measured by the way it treats its
animals. Mahatma Ghandi, 1.869 1.948

Politician and Thinker

15
Then, what can we expect of a country that treats
like this its animals?
16
Each September one of the biggest monstrosities
performed in the Kingdom of Spain is
perpetuated the Toro de la Vega. It is one of
those repeated brutalities which the villans
pompously call traditions, giving a sacred
meaning to the word. The Toro de la Vega still
exists, for our shame it is a fiesta which
consists of more than one hundred lance-men
harassing the animal on the fields, spearing it,
till the poor creature, bleeding profusely, with
its flesh in pieces because of the succession of
stabbings, falls exhausted, and then it is
supposedly finished off while its testicles
and tails are cut off as trophies this often
happens when the bull is still alive, as has
been witnessed. It is a slow torture, loud and
messy, the slaughters sadistic diversion.
17
Regulation for the immemorial tournament of the
Toro de la Vega Chapter III About the rights
of the bull Introduction As the main
participant, the bull has rights which are
strictly respected, as is dictated by good sense
and custom, according what has been said It is
ordered to 0º That the bulls right of
passage is respected per saecula saeculorum
(for ever) when on the bridge and the boundries
of Tordesillas. 1º That the bull is
treated with dignity and honour as its category
of tournament payer grants it. 2º If the bull
due to its bravery and wisdom becomes famous,
even if dead, it may then be considered the
winner. 3º That the bull wears the colours of
the Town, i.e. gold, red and blue.
18

• 4º That the food, accommodation and everything
  that affects its quality of life are the object
  of continuous concern.
• 5º That nobody dares to treat the bull badly ,
  dead or alive, in word or action.
• 6º If the bull injures itself before reaching the
  pinewood, the tournament would be forfeited and
  the bull will be substituted by another if
  possible, and if not, the tournament will be
  adjourned for next day.
• 7º If the bull, when the tournament starts, does
  not have the right behaviour, it will be
  forfeited.
• 8º If the bull goes beyond the marked limits,
  even if it returns later to the pinewood, it wins
  and the tournament ends.
• 9º If the bull enters the river, it cannot be
  speared, only when it goes back to land or is
  retrieved.
• 10º If the bull went beyond the marked limits, it
  will win the tournament and will return to the
  fields of Zapardies, where it will be cured and
  will be honoured.
• Patronato del Toro de la Vega.
  Tordesillas (Valladolid)

19
The route to the death of the Toro de Vega
20
Limit of the pinewood, zone on the fields set
apart for the tournement
21
Instruction about how to spear a bull.
22
1919, cornered
How is it that people can look at his face (the
bulls) and far from being touched with the
sight, they grow even more barbaric?

Eugenio Noel, 1885 1936
Writer about the Toro de la vega
1920, fleeing
23
Human beings should show goodness towards
animals, because, whoever acts with cruelty
towards animals, will show the same
insensibility towards other human beings. .
Immanuel
Kant, 1724 1804

Philosopher
1931, unable to save its life
1943, festive day for the town, day of suffering
for the bull
24
1943, trying to shelter under a pine tree
25
A genuine and deep feeling towards animal
suffering is always a sign of higher
civilisation.
Selma Lagerhof Sweedish poet, Nobel Price
Literature
1943, but in vain there is no escape
26
Whoever tortures animals lacks soul and
divine spirit. Even if he looks distinguished,
you should never trust him.
Johann Wolfang von Goethe, 1749 1832

Poet and writer
1952, approaching its cruel destiny
27

Hunting is another form of animal cruelty
Theodor
Heuss, 1884 1963
First Federal president of Germany
1954, the final end approaches
1954, proud of their actions
28
The massacres commited against animals throughout
the centuries are promoted mainly by the
mother Church.
Prof.Dr. Hubertos Mynark, 1929
German humanist an
Church critic
1957, harrassed by its executioners
1958, a lance is stabbed in its exhausted body
29
1959, the bull will be sacrificed in honour of
the Catholic virgin
30
I am in favour of animal rights as well as human
rights. This is what completes a human being.

Abraham Lincloln, 1.809 1.865

US
President
1963, lusting to stab the bull
1964, hours have passed trying to save itself
31
1967
1970
1975
Animal protection is the education towards
humanity
Dr. Albert Schweitzer, 1875 1965
Theolog, doctor, musician,
Nobel Peace prize winner
1978 It only wants to escape from its
executioners
32
Be good to humans, plants and animals. Do not
harrass people or animals and do not hurt
them.
Lao-Tse,
Chinese philosopher
3.-4. century A.C.
1979, two victims
33
1981, .. There goes the valient Knight, infused
with nobility and control when facing such a
terrible beast. God have mercy on his soul and
on those of his . . .
34
1982, . . . and the souls of his 300 gallant
riders. .
35
1987
1988
1989
1992
1995
Spanish goverments have subscribed to the worst
of popular unculture, the orgy of
innocent animals blood, in honour, whats more,
of some local virgen or saint.
36
1999 extreme cruelty
Animals feel, just like us, joy and pain,
happiness and sorrow. .
Charles Darwin, 1809
1882, scientist
37
2001, Linoso, a defenseless animal in front of
a pack of cruel humans. And than they say that
wolves . . .
38
2002, Morenito, the bull chosen to die this year.
Morenito tries to look for shelter in some bushes
39
2002, Morenito The Toro de la Vega tournement
illustrates a misunderstood concept of manhood
until recently the winners prize trophy
consisted of testicles of the fallen bull.
40
2002, Morenito cannot resist any longer. The
beautiful animal fell in front of his
executioners.
41
2002, Morenito dies suffering terribly
2002, here it is todays hero. What an
achievement!
When a man has compassion for all living
creatures, only then will he be noble.


Budda, 560 480 A.C.


42
One does not know oneself til one catches ones
eyes reflection in the eyes of those not
human. Loren Eiseley, 1907
1977
Anthropologist
2003, Gañaflero, face to face with his
executioner
43
2003, Gañaflero, still surrounded by his
executioners tries to save his life
44
2003, Gañaflero, his exhausted body is about to
be gored by a medieval lance
45
2003, Gañaflero Joan Herrera (ICV political
party) raised the possibility of the prohibition
of the Toro de la Vega in the Spanish
Parliamenton the 12/09/2007 Regarding this
barbaric act, in which under the auspices of
tradition and qualified as a fiesta of tourist
interest, an animal is tortured in a wild and
cruel way. The Toro de la Vega of Tordesillas is
one of the biggest barbarities in Spain. And is
sheltered of what some call traditions..
46
2003, Gañaflero. Can anything be more sad and
MORE PERVERSE than having to witness the
terrible death of an animal so beautiful and
strong, but also so defenseless?
47
2003, the executioner, the hero of the day,
together with his flunkeys.
48
2003, The hero entering the town where here is
received by the masses as if he was Cesar. He
makes his way towards the Town Hall where all
honours are awarded him, including a gold medal
given to him by the Mayor for his brave feat.
Days later he will also receive the stuffed head
of his innocent victim.
49
2004, Rodanero, the next bull to be sacrifice,
still on the farm, ignorant of his destiny.
50
2004, Rodanero already with a deep wound in his
side. Scared, hurt and desoriented without the
rest of his herd to provide him with protection
and shelter.
Respect for life means horror at the fact
of killing. Dr.
Albert Schweitzer,
1875 1965 Theologist,
doctor, Nobel peace price winner
51
2004, Rodanero fights for his life
The life of any animal is much more valuable than
that of those able to torture it.

anonymous
52
2004, Rodanero, fatally wounded, suffering agony

Animals have souls and human beings should love
them and feel solidarity with our younger
brothers. They are as close to God as humans are
and deserve all our respect.

Pope John Paul II,1920 - 2005
53
2004, Rodanero dying under the gaze of his
executioners
The more noble people are, they treat the weak
with more dignity, women more gentlemanly, and
animals more compassionately.

William Prescott,1796
1859 Historian
54
Another Knight, showing nobility and control
Whoever acts with cruelty towards aniamls cannot
be a good person. Arthur Schopenhauer,
1788 1860 German philosopher
55
While human beings keep killing inferior living
beings, they will not know either health nor
peace. While human beings keep massacring
animals, they will keep killing each other.


Pythagoras

570 496 A.C.
56
2005, this year it is time for Zamorano
to die
I find it incomprhensible that a society that
tries to be humanist and modern will continue
enjoying themselves with such a barbaric
ritual. Rosa Montero,
Journalist
57
2005, Zamorano is upset and tries to find
shelter by a bush
What christian can tolerate this brutal and
bloody spectacle, which deserves eternal tears?
Joannis Yáñez, Judicial
Councellor of pretorio de
Valladolid, Salamanca 1591
58
2005, It is incredible that an animal can be
tortured in front of members of the police force.
In civilised countries one would go to prison
for this.
There is no doubt that a small group of
thoughtfulland concerned citizens can change
the world. Margaret Mead,
1.901 1.978
Anthropologists
59
2005, Zamorano does not give up
60
2005, another year when a beautiful animal will
be sacrificed in honour of the Virgin Mary
61
2005, and they call this an equal fight between
man and beast
62
2005, the similarities with brutal medieval
customs are clear
63
2005, Zamorano severely wounded, but still
standing
64
2005, and they call this a fight between equals,
intelligence against bravery, agility against
untamed force.
65
2005, Zamorano kneeling to die
66
2005, with body and soul destroyed he is giving
his life for something they pomposly call
tradition
67
2005, the sad ending of a proud animal

• 
  
• 
  
  

Life is life. There is no difference between a
cat and a human. The idea of difference is a
human idea for the profit of humanity.
Sri Aurobindo, 1.872 1.950
Poet and philosopher
2005, sad at not having been the heroes this
year.
68
The spear. It is a terrible weapon, a fearful
one. Now just imagine of a horde of brutes
weilding such terrible blades to harass the bull.
The objective is to wound, stab, cut and gore,
wherever they can.
69
No comment

70
First it was necessary to civilise humans In
relation to other humans. Now is necessary to
civilise humans in relation to nature and
animals.
Victor Hugo, 1802 1885
Poet and Writer
71
A valient and somewhat drunken mob prepare to
harrass the bull.
72
Barbaric horde ( in the close up the lance that
killed the bull with the animals tail as trophy)
73
2006, Rompesueños, the Toro de la Vega of this
year
But . . . it is only a herbivor . . . a very
peaceful giant!!
What have I done to deserve this?
74
2006, Rompesueños has no choice. He has to face
his destiny
It is incredible and shameful that no preachers
or moralists speak up against animal abuse.
Voltaire, 1694-1778

French philosopher
75
2006, Rompesueños, a scared and defenseless
animal facing a mob made mad because of the
scent of blood
76
Unfortunately, bulls are very stong physically
and so can stand an unbearable amount of abuse
for a long time.
2006, Rompesueños, Does he know what awaits him?
How is it that men who have tortured animals,
brag about it and still hold up their heads high
among humans?

Samuel Johnson, 1709 1784


English writer
77
2006, Rompesueños desperately fights for his life
in this Magic and primative duel.
78
(No Transcript)
79
Jaquerito, Cronicle of a death foretold
Thou shalt not kill
God, The 10 Commandments
80
2007, Jaquerito chosen to die in the tournament
in 07 but he was sent back because he was much
too tame. This, however, did not save him. He
had to face the bitter journey to the slaughter
house.
Man has turned the Earth into Hell for
animals. Artur Schopenhauer,
1788-1860
German philosopher
81
2007, Jaquerito, on his way to his awful destiny.
2007, Jaquerito and the long wait for death along
with Enrejado and other bulls without names.
82
2007, empieza el acoso al indefenso animal
Die Hetzjagd beginnt
There is no animal more cruel than man.
August von kotzebue, 1761-1819
German writer
83
2007, ruthless riders harass the disorientated
and frightened bull
We take more notice of us being the fathers of
our future than the children of our past.
Miguel de
Unamuno 1864-1936
Spanish philosopher
2007, Enrejado, totally worn out, stands still.
84
Anthropological relic of the
village, ethnological legacy of our ancestors,
local public heritage.
85
2007, Enrejado, the bull who Jaquerito was
substituted for, at the very moment of a goring.
There is only one step between the murder of
an animal and the murder of a person, in the
same way as there is only one step
between abusing an animal and abusing a
person. León Tolstoi, 1828
1910 Poet and Russian humanist/writer
86
(No Transcript)
87
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is
for good men to do nothing.

Edmund
Burke, 1729 1797


British writer and thinker
88
2007, Enrjados last minute of life, poor,
beautiful beast.
No tradition is worth keeping when faced with
such a monstrous cruelty which contravenes all
the laws (including the taurine rule book), and
compassion and common sense.
89

2007, At the end of the tournament, the winner
cuts off the bulls tail, sometimes when he is
still alive, he hangs The sad remains on the
end of his lance and is proud to Be both henchman
and murderer.
Mans compassion for animals is what makes him a
true man.


Dr. Albert Schweitzer, 1875- 1965

Theologist, doctor, musician and Nobel
Peace Prize winner
90
The bulls tail, the trophy, is offered to the
Virgin of the Rock, who, is she could, would
surely cry bitter tears for the cruelly
slaughtered bull. To try to undestand this kind
of behaviour, one must travel down the tunnel of
time, back to the dark and ruthless time of the
Middle Ages.
91
The valient knight is received with honour at
the Town Council Poor Tordesillas! It is
such a pretty town with such a long history But
nowadays it is only remembered for this brutal
event perpetuated by a savage mob. How can this
orgy of suffering be permitted, this unhealthy
celebration?
92
The Festival of the Dark Ages in Tordesillas!
The Beast is dead! Let the revelry begin!!
93
In 1980,The Spanish Department of Tourism
declared the Toro de la Vega of interest
to tourists. In 1999, the Autonomous
Government of Castille and Leon declared it a
Traditional Taurine Tradition
94
Can nobody hear the cries of the tortured
animals? Have we lost our humanity? Do we no
longer feel shame? Are we still living in the
Middle Ages, cultivating a degrading tradition?
95

• The time will come when crimes committed
  against animals will be punished in the same way
  as crimes against people.
• 
  Leonardo da
  Vinci, 1452-1519
• 
  

96
WHY?
97
In 1980 UNESCO, the UN agency for Science, Art
and Culture, proclaimed that "Bullfighting is
the venal art of torturing and killling animals
in public according to certain rules. It
traumatizes sensitive children and adults. It
worsens the condition of phsycopaths attracted
by these kinds of shows. It denaturalizes the
relationship between men and animals. These kinds
of shows are against morality, science and
culture".
98
(No Transcript)
99

• The more defenseless a creature is, the
• more right it has to be protected from
• the cruelty of man.
• 
  Mahatma Gandhi, 1869
  1948
• 
  Indian politician
  and thinker
• 
  

100
(No Transcript)
101
(No Transcript)
102
(No Transcript)
103
(No Transcript)
104

• In memory of all the Toros de la Vega of the
  past.
• And to those of the future?

105

• Thank you to my family for their patience,
  comprehension and criticism to my friends for
• supporting me and advising me with their ideas
  and opinions. A special thanks to all the
• anonymous people to have sent me texts, ideas,
  opinions, criticisms and internet photos.
• Without their help this presentation would not
  have been possible.
• Thank you
•