Two years are completed, on July 1, of the new government of the Provincial Council of Ciudad Real, headed by the popular Miguel Ángel Valverde; Among its objectives, was to match an activity such as bullfighting (cataloged by law as such) to the rest of the performing arts, thus doing justice with dozens of professionals who are dedicated to the sector in the province and Thousands of fans. And he is getting it based on calls that equal to bullfighting to other types of shows that also pay the State as culture such as music, theater or cinema.
Today, in Cultoro, we interviewed the Vice President of Internal Organization of the Diputación de Ciudad Real and recognized bullfighting amateur, Adrián Fernández, about the impulse that the institution is giving to bullfighting Through the Culture Area, directed by María Jesús Pelayo.
ASK. The Diputación de Ciudad Real has opted since its inauguration for bullfighting, treating it like any other cultural manifestation such as cinema, theater or painting. Now is when actions such as the implementation of the bullfighting school, the practical classes or the aid to the peoples are being materialized, but the work has been for two years: how has it been developed?
ANSWER. Since the arrival of Miguel Ángel Valverde to the presidency of the Diputación, bullfighting has been one of the fundamental axes, as well as other areas related to culture, well -being, history or development of the rural environment. The bet is firm and determined. Bullfighting is a legal and regulated show, protected by law, and must be treated with respect, without taps or complexes.
Bullfighting is part of our history and our identity as a province. Ciudad Real is one of the provinces with the most bullfighting celebrations, with a large number of places, and is the cradle of great bullfighters such as Calatraveño, Sánchez Puerto, Paco Mayor, Reina Rincón, Aníbal Ruiz, Víctor Puerto, Fernando Tendero, Luis Miguel Vázquez or Carlos Aranda, among many others. We also have large banderilleros and bull professionals, in addition to a fortnight of Lidia livestock. The province deserved a government that equated bullfighting to the rest of the arts and cultural manifestations.
ASK. How do you value the growth of the bullfighting school of Ciudad Real?
ANSWER. Each province has a centralized bullfighting school, which functions as a nerve nucleus. In our case, we also maintain support for local schools that already existed. Since its recovery, the Taurine School of Ciudad Real has given fruits that nobody imagined: it currently has 25 students and there is waiting list. Some of them have already been announced in first places such as Castellón, Valencia, Albacete or Córdoba.
It is exciting to see kids with that passion for such an entrenched art. What they do on the ring, that ability to transform the attack of the bull into emotion, is admirable. The evolution of the school in just eight months has been extraordinary. They have already participated in important fairs, which gives a good sample of the work that is being done.
ASK. What new actions contemplate the Diputación to continue promoting bullfighting?
ANSWER. We have allocated 350,000 euros so that the municipalities that include bullfighters in the province in their bullfighting posters receive financial aid. This allows them to demand from companies the hiring of local professionals, which opens real opportunities for our bullfighters.
In addition, we add another 100,000 euros for bullfighting school and 25,000 euros more to municipal schools. In total, we are talking about an investment of half a million euros in the bullfighting field. And this does not stop here: next year we want to introduce aids also for municipalities that schedule celebrations with livestock from the province.
ASK. How can this help be shielded for the future?
ANSWER. The aids are subject, of course, to the political will and the approval of the budgets every year. What I can say is that while the Popular Party governs, there is President Valverde’s commitment to defend bullfighting, which has its place in this Diputación. Our commitment is clear and firm.
ASK. What can be advanced on the day of the province in Almodóvar del Campo and the planned bullfight?
ANSWER. I must be prudent. I prefer not to advance anything until the official announcement is made next to the City Council. But I can assure that it will be an event of great relevance, in line with what we have been working on these years.
