the rush with a quick cape pass and thrust of the sword. If hit in the right spot,
the bull will die immediately. When the bull drops, an assistant with a knife fin-
ishes him. If the bull is still alive and standing, another sword thrust is made.
In some fights, several thrusts are made without killing the bull within the
allotted 16 minutes. In that case, the bull is lead from the ring and slaughtered,
the matador departs in disgrace, and the crowd loses whatever cool they have left.
A good kill ends with one or more parts of the bull being awarded to the
matador. One ear is good, two ears are great, and if the tail is added it is super
and the crowd loves it! In one show there are usually six bulls killed by three
matadors. Each fight is different, and like a good boxing match, the first fight
may be bad, but the last one may make the afternoon worthwhile.
Carnaval
If you're into huge crowds, loud music, festivities, fireworks, parades and
spectacular pageants, then come and see the third largest pre-Easter celebration,
behind Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Mexicans and foreigners descend on
Mazatlán in droves for the weeklong activities. Wise people rent hotel space a
year in advance--especially in Olas Altas and along the parade route on del Mar.
Carnaval is a moveable feast, the week before Ash Wednesday. Every year,
people wonder when the celebration will take place. Jackie Peterson was kind
enough to provide a schedule for several years:
Year
Start
End
2005
February 3
February 8
2006
February 23
February 28
2007
February 15
February 20
2008
January 31
February 5
2009
February 19
February 24
2010
February 11
February 16
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Char les A. Hall