A bloodless bullfight (Portuguese style) was held in conjunction with the Festa de bola/Soccer Tournament in Artesia, California on Saturday, May 27, 2006. The event turned out very well.

6 bulls, 2 Cavaleiros, 2 Forcados groups, with 3 bulls each. The bulls were from Ganadaria Candido Costa and I'm going to guess that they were around 480 kilos? maybe 500? I'll be sure to get the correct info.

If we were awarding ears and tails, this is what I would have given the Cavaleiros.

Cavaleiro Vasco Taborda, Jr:
Vasco would have received two ears and a tail. Vasco Taborda, Jr. is from Portugal and is a newcomer here in the States. You will be able to see him again on July 31st. He works very well with our horses and have grown fond of them. He even wants to take one or two home with him. His last bull was excellent and the crowd was very pleased! And what's a bullfight without an entertaining horse. Our showstopper Indio (the black Lusitano from Portugal) gave his all tonight with the help of Vasco. He did his pirouette, stood on his hind legs, and bowed for the crowd! His trademark movements trained by his former owner Cavaleiro Vitor Ribeiro himself. I thought Vasco did very well with our horses considering he only had a few weeks to work with them. His favorites is Quiver (the buckskin Lusitano), and Dollar (the Quarter Horse).

Cavaleiro Eddie Costa:
Eddie did well too and would have received 1 ear and a tail or just two ears. (I'm not one for knowing what the awarding status is... but that's what I would give.) The only reason why I gave Eddie a lower mark is because there were a few times where the bulls hit the horses. Other than that, his passes were impeccable. Eddie Costa is one of our local Cavaleiros from Los Banos, California and a close friend. He also specializes in breeding and selling Lusitano horses. He has a brother name Manuel Costa who owns a Ganadaria in Los Banos, California. Because of my tape issue, I missed one of his best passes (sorry Eddie). I usually record the whole fight, but because I was limited on tape space, I had to pay close attention to when they were setting to do a pass. Unfortunately, the one that I missed was very risky and daring. It was spontaneous and very close to the edge. Maybe I'll be able to get a hold of a copy, we'll see.

What awards do Forcados get? Let's just say we'll give them both an ear and a tail. Sounds good? Ok!
The Filhos dos Acores (Forcados of Southern California) and the Forcados group from Tulare both did an exceptional job. Even though the bulls were big, they each made a perfect grab. Joey Correia who is a Cavaleiro, but once was a Forcado back in his days, made an appearance in the ring with his brother Manuel Correia. Joey has no fears and will practically stand up to the bull. He grabbed the bulls by their tails like he was going to play with them. There was even a time when the bull took too long to go back in and Joey went right in there, grabbed the bull and maneuvered it back inside. I can tell he loves to be in the middle of it all. He's alive and it seems that if he had it his way, he can keep playing with the bulls all night long.

There were a few times where the guys missed the mark or the bulls swayed the other way and ended up tossing the front guys and running the guys over as well as toying and turning them over like a toy. One of the guys grabbed the bull so hard that he was trying to hang on for dear life and nearly fell of. But one of the guys pulled him up and then he eventually limped away. Yes, lots of points went towards the bulls this evening. There were a few times where the bulls were ahead by 10 points and Forcados 0.

===Just Added! Ricky's commentary on the Forcados at the Bullfight===
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me break the fight down for you. The bulls were decent size especially for that arena. The first two bulls were close to 440 kilos. The others, I believe were just over 400. We had the 1st, 3rd and 5th bull of the night.

Frankie (aka Spainard) caught the first bull on the first try. It was a good grab for someone of his skill level.

I caught our second bull on my 2nd attempt. On my first attempt, I stepped in a hole while I was reversing and fell backwards. Obiviously this makes catching bulls a little difficult. The second try went without a flaw.

Our third bull was caught by John on his third try. On his first attempt, he didnt have the help needed from the middle of the line. The second try, he wasnt square on the bull. The third try was finally successful with the help of Elder. He did a great second.

Forcados Group from Tulare (according to Ricky):
Tulare caught the 2nd, 4th and 6th bulls of the night. They were unable to catch their first bull.

The first guy (Jimmy I believe) had no help from his group. They attempted twice and the director called it off.

However, for the record, both second guys were there to help him.

On their second bull, I believe they caught it on their second attempt.

And the last bull was caught by Paul. His catch was very nice. The bull had some power and held him up in the air as he went through the line. He did an excellent job of holding on.
====end of Ricky's commentary on the bullfight===
==Just a quick note: Ricky is with the So Cal Forcados Group and his position is usually the head guy (front man) calling the bull

During the break, my boyfriend Raul brought over to me my favorite... the Octopus dish served with bread. It's what I crave everytime we go there. I was able to sit up top where the RTA guys normally video from. The two named Manuel (aka M&M) were very nice and was also kind to lend me a tape. Yeah, I had all these tapes but didn't realize I didn't bring a blank one. Thank God they were there or I would have been crying to the store to buy some while I miss the first bull. So Kudos to M&M for saving the day. Or else, I wouldn't been able to videotape any of the fight. I would have been devastated.

I also sat next to a very nice man named Tony. He was kind as to give me his views and perspective of the bullfight. But what a small world, because he knows the same people that I know. Same with the RTA guys. Networking is so much fun!

After the bullfight, it was time to greet the horseys and let them know what a great job they did and while Raul puts them back in the trailers. And then more mingling and networking with friends and new & old faces we've seen in a long time.

Now comes more fun .... more food. This is one of my fav parts of a bullfight.... eating! Any member of the committee and participants of the event get to eat in the hall provided by the Festa group. Each meal varies by each town or committee, but the usual is fresh beef, with rice, and some or several desserts and usually served with wine, beer, punch, and water. The committees wives and/or members are the ones who cook and serves the meal to us. Two thumbs up to all of them as they always do a great job and are extremely friendly too.

After the meal is more cerveza, cafe, and dancing. I normally go dancing, but I think I ate so much that my stomach was ready to explode. I just wanted to take a nap. But then the coffee and all of the people partying woke me up. It was very crowded with all of the soccer and bullfight fans combined.

Once again, because everyone spoke Portuguese, I felt like I was in a different country. So, if you ever feel like traveling, but can't afford to go out of the country, just go to a local bullfight in Southern California (Artesia & Chino) or Central California (Stevinson, Gustine, Tulare, Turlock, Laton, Hanford, Riverdale, etc.).

It's amazing and one must experience at some point of their life. Just think, a bullfight... here in California, and yes, the bulls are not killed, so it's definitely for everyone. You get to witness the artful world of bullfighting, right in your own backyard, and friendly, party-people included. What more can you ask for?

And if you're looking to match-up, there's definitely some "eye candy's" for both guys and gals.

I heard that in Mexico, all the women go to bullfights because that's where all the men are.... (that's what I heard... but don't quote me on this, ok).

Ok, I think that's all for now. All you need to see next are the videos. I am actually "capturing" (uploading) the videos to my computer and copying to a DVD as I am writing this blog. Yes, it's either pure dedication, or the very strong coffee I drank earlier is still in my system. I hope I wake up in time to go to the Stevinson bullfight today. It's the 30th Forcados Anniversary with 6 Cavaleiros (Eddie Costa, Sario Cabral from California, and 4 from Portugal) and they get 1 bull each.

Ahhh.... but before I go, I can't forget about the band.... Filarmónica do Artesia D.E.S. led by Maestre David Costa. David has made several hits including a song for Vitor Ribeiro and the So. Cal Forcados group. His next project will be a song for Vasco Taborda, Jr. Yes, you've heard it here. We suggested it to him while we were in the bar. Hopefully he'll have it ready by the time July 31st comes around. The band was excellent and they played lots throughout the evening. It makes the bullfight even more exciting (I think so). Music (whatever it may be) will always complement anything.... from simply cruising in your car, dancing with your children, or a candlelight dinner for two in the middle of the sea. Oh, a quick shoutout to the two youngest member of the band.... the twins... Michael & Mitchell (the Cardoso brother's nephews). They are so cute and adorable. I remember when they were little, and now they're growing and maturing so fast.

Ok, that's it.... I promise.... Good night (or Good morning)!

Thanks and have a great Memorial Weekend!
Muit Obrigado! Ciao! Muchos Gracias!
Mz. Webmistress Diva

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