Can you feel the anticipation, the clinking of beer bottles in the cantina, the cheers of the crowd, and the exciting music? Can you smell the aroma of tasty tacos? Are you ready for the warm embraces, as long time friends and aficionados, especially Winter Texans, greet each other and prepare for another season of bloodless bullfights in nearby Santa Elena, Texas?
Well, it’s all coming together, January 13, in Plaza Santa Maria, when the first corrida de toros of the 2008 winter season will be inaugurated. None other than Monterrey, Mexico’s Enrique Delgado, the most triumphant matador of the 2007 season, and the popular "bullfighting banker" Longinos Mendoza of Houston prepare to face a quartet of brave-blooded fighting bulls from the Mexican ranch of Don Rafael Mendoza.
The afternoon will begin with a colorful demonstration of equine dressage by Mario Ordaz and his famous palomino, "Wapo." This will be followed by an educational program, which is designed to help new aficionados better understand the artistry, intricacies, and inherent dangers of one of the world’s most popular spectator attractions.
Fans are reminded to bring white hankies, so they may participate in soliciting the artificial ears that will be awarded to the most triumphant matadors in this, the seventh bullfight season in Fred Renk’s Plaza Santa Maria.
Renk, a retired torero, is the stepfather of David "El Texano" Renk, only the sixth North American to attain the professional doctorate of matadorship and the only yankee to have performed in La Plaza Mexico, the world’s largest bullring.
El Texano, who suffered a serious bullfight injury, two seasons ago and, as a result, recently endured delicate open heart surgery, observed, "This is an opportunity for families who might otherwise have never considered seeing a bullfight to be exposed to the beauty of the ancient, performing art, but without the bloodshed of bullfights held in Latin American and European countries."
In bloodless bullfights, the kills are symbolic. At the close of his performance, each matador must plunge over the deadly horns and grasp a bouquet of artificial flowers from the bull’s shoulders, thus simulating the kill.
The crowd is encouraged to participate by ole’ing and petitioning for trophies. As each matador takes his turn of the ring, the crowd generally bathes him in flowers, wineskins, and articles of clothing.
The gates will open at 1 p.m., with the bullfight slated to begin at 4 p.m. The food stand, the cantina, and clean restrooms are provided for visitors.
Bus transportation to the plaza de toros is available, Valleywide. In the McAllen area, ticket buyers can go to Go With Jo Tours, or to Border Tire, in Mission. Border Tire’s phone number is 956-585-8473. Go With Jo Tours’ number is 1-(800) 999-1446. Tickets may also be reserved, and buyers can receive driving instructions or other information, by phoning the Renk residence, at 956-481-3300.