It was just an appetizer, but the audience enthusiastically embraced it. The first bullfighting day at the Alyscamps took place yesterday in the courtyard of the neighborhood school.
“It’s a small festive afternoon to raise awareness about bullfighting for residents, to invite them to participate in the bullfighting day that will take place in Griffeuille on April 25, with bulls,” explains Marjorie Arquet, head of the neighborhood house in Griffeuille-Alyscamps. “It also helps animate the neighborhood.”
The bull that excels and unites
If the bull is not physically present in the location, symbolically, it is everywhere. Whether in the immersive virtual reality helmets offered by the French Federation of Camargue Racing, in the various agility games made for the occasion in the likeness of the horns, or in the initiations to toreo and raset offered by local bullfighting schools and raseteurs.
“For many children, it’s a discovery,” notes Morad Balti of the association Passionado. “We are here to introduce them with an adapted ‘raset challenge’.” “Today, it is the bull that excels and unites,” affirms Rachid Ouramdane, banderillero known by his torero name Morenito d’Arles, and employed by the City. “It is important to bring to the neighborhoods what families do not see by staying at home.”
“I also practice at home”
Rhayan, a young resident of Griffeuille, performs passes with the muleta. “I love everything about bulls,” says the 12-year-old boy. “I also practice at home.” He is the only one to have come with his animal. Gabin Rehabi and his horse are here to represent the tercio de piques.
“We are very proud to be here,” rejoices Gérald Rado, president of the Arles raseteurs school. “This can bring us future raseteurs for the big races. Arles has always been a source and we must continue.”
