How are the bulls selected and evaluated for a bullfight event in Mallorca?

The selection and evaluation of bulls for a bullfight event in Mallorca follow a carefully regulated and traditional process designed to ensure the suitability and quality of the animals for the spectacle. Bulls are generally sourced from specific breeding farms known for raising fighting bulls, which are prized for their strength, agility, and temperament. These ranches, often located in mainland Spain but also within the Balearic Islands, raise bulls that are genetically predisposed to the traits valued in bullfighting, such as bravery and responsiveness to the matador’s movements. The bulls are typically three to five years old, at the peak of their physical condition, and are selected well in advance of the event.

Prior to the bullfight, each animal undergoes a thorough veterinary examination to certify its health and fitness for the event, ensuring the bull is strong and free from illness or injury. The bull’s horns are also inspected; while they are not altered in Spain as they are in some other countries, their shape and condition are noted for the safety and style of the fight. Evaluators consider the bull’s behavior and temperament during a series of tests that may include exposure to noise and movement, which helps to predict how the bull will perform in the arena. A bull that exhibits excessive aggression without control or poor stamina may be excluded from the fight.

In Mallorca, as on the mainland, the emphasis is on presenting bulls that provide a challenging but manageable contest for the matadors, balancing the requirements of tradition with the elements of spectacle and animal welfare. The final decisions rest with experienced breeders and event organizers, who work closely together to maintain the integrity of bullfighting as a cultural event while respecting legal and ethical standards. This careful process ensures that the bulls selected contribute to a dramatic and authentic bullfighting experience, deeply connected to the local heritage of Mallorca and the broader Spanish cultural landscape.