SALAMANCA BULLFIGHTING MUSEUM

The Salamanca Bullfighting Museum was created by the Federation of Bullfighting Fan Clubs of Salamanca "Helmántica". The federation was founded in 1989 with the purpose of integrating the various bullfighting fan clubs from Salamanca that existed in the province at that time. It was born with the vocation of giving recognition to the Bullfighting Festival and to the bullfighters of Salamanca.

The museum was inaugurated on December 29, 1993. In 1995, it received the name Salamanca Bullfighting Museum “Primitivo Sánchez Laso” in homage to the person who, for many years, presided over the Salamanca Bullfighting Fan Club. Subsequently, in 2014, it was incorporated into the Network of Museums of Castilla y León. Currently, it is managed by local institutions through the company of Tourism, Commerce and Economic Promotion of Salamanca, S.A.U. The musealization it currently presents is the result of the remodeling carried out in 2017.

The collection of objects and works of art of the Bullfighting Museum has been formed thanks to the transfers and donations from institutions such as the Salamanca City Council but, above all, they have been pieces donated by bullfighters, ranchers, artists, and fans of the bullfighting world.

ROOM 1.- WELCOME

ROOM II.- THE DEHESA AND THE BREEDING OF FIGHTING BULLS This space shows the public the importance of fighting bull ranches in the conservation of biodiversity and in the provincial economy.

Salamanca is the province with the largest number of ranches, around one hundred, which gives us an idea of their importance in the provincial economy. Since ancient times, Salamanca has been a privileged area for breeding fighting cattle thanks to the existence of those peculiar ecosystems known as dehesas, primarily the Campo Charro. The abundant pastures and the woodland of holm oaks and oaks, along with ponds and small streams, constitute the perfect habitat for the fighting bull. The dehesa of holm oaks and oaks represents a unique model of exploitation and sustainable use of natural resources. In these lands, man has learned to coexist with nature. For millennia he has transformed and exploited it with wisdom and has known how to preserve it for future generations.

Currently, many of these livestock farms have opened their doors to sustainable tourism. In them, one can see the fighting bull in its natural habitat, learn about the breeding and selection process of the bulls, and enjoy unique landscapes where man feels connected to nature.

ROOM III. BULLFIGHTING HISTORY OF SALAMANCA. FAIR, BULLRING AND SCHOOLS Here, visitors delve into Salamanca's bullfighting tradition. Some of the topics covered in this room are:

• Salamanca's bullfighting fair is held every year in September. It coincides with the Fairs and Festivals of the Virgen de la Vega, patron saint of Salamanca. The September fairs reflect the great livestock and bullfighting tradition that Salamanca has always had. In addition to the bullfighting events held in the already centenary Plaza de Toros de la Glorieta, the Agricultural Fair, heir to the old livestock fairs that had such national renown, is held annually in the Exhibition Center.

• Here, information is displayed about the three bullrings built in Salamanca in the second half of the 19th century, with special attention given to the last of them, the Plaza de Toros de la Glorieta. • Since 1985, Salamanca has had a Bullfighting School, dependent on the Provincial Council. It trains picadores, sword handlers, novilleros, and bullfighters. Over a thousand students have passed through it, a large number of whom have taken the alternativa and achieved the dream of becoming bullfighters.

ROOM IV.- BULLFIGHTING SUITS COLLECTION The Bullfighting Museum houses a collection of more than 42 suits and garments related to the bullfighting world. The "trajes de luces" (suits of lights) stand out, forming the largest group. Additionally, Goyesque suits, short suits, as well as attire for banderilleros and picadores, are exhibited, all generously donated by their owners.

ROOM V. BULLFIGHTERS OF SALAMANCA Three great bullfighting figures occupy a prominent place within the room dedicated to Salamanca's bullfighters. • El Viti Space: room dedicated to Santiago Martín Sánchez, the famous matador from Vitigudino, one of the most important bullfighters in the history of bullfighting. The objects displayed in this room were donated to the museum by Santiago Martín “el Viti” and by numerous fans. • Niño de la Capea Room: room in homage to the Salamanca bullfighter Pedro Gutiérrez Moya, better known as El Niño de la Capea. The objects displayed in this room were donated by Pedro Moya. • Julio Robles Room: room dedicated to this prominent bullfighter where some of his suits, trophies, and personal objects can be found. He was named Honorary Member of the Federation of Bullfighting Clubs of Salamanca, where all his legacy is deposited.

ROOM VI. THE BULL AND CULTURE Through the numerous works exhibited here, the influence of bullfighting on culture and art is shown. It consists mainly of paintings, photographs, and sculptures from donations made by fans:

• Mainly, these are bullfighting-themed paintings. • Collection of sculptures made of bronze, steel wire, and wrought iron. • Numerous photographs of bullfighters and bullfighting events. • Collection of posters announcing bullfights and novilladas (fights with young bulls).

**ROOM VII.- AUDIOVISUAL

In the last room, an audiovisual brings us closer to the Salamanca dehesa and the rhythm of the bullfight and its interaction with the public.