What is corralejas?

Corralejas are cultural events that take place in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Colombia. These events usually occur during local holidays or festivals and involve bullfighting activities.

During a corraleja, amateur bullfighters enter a bullring or corral and try to dodge or taunt a bull for a few seconds. This kind of bullfighting is different from the traditional Spanish bullfighting, where professional bullfighters compete in a planned and choreographed spectacle.

The history of corralejas dates back to the 19th century, where they were a way for farmers to show their skills in handling bulls. However, with the growth of cities, the culture of corralejas evolved into a public spectacle, attracting thousands of spectators.

Over the years, corralejas have been surrounded by controversy due to the potential danger they pose to both the amateur bullfighters and the spectators. The events have resulted in injuries and deaths, and measures have been implemented to try to minimize the risks.

Despite this, corralejas remain a popular cultural event in Colombia, with thousands of locals and tourists attending each year.