SALAMANCA BULLFIGHTING MUSEUM

The Salamanca Bullfighting Museum was created by the "Helmántica" Federation of Bullfighting Fan Clubs of Salamanca. The federation was founded in 1989 with the purpose of integrating the various bullfighter fan clubs from Salamanca that existed in the province at that time. It was established with the aim of recognizing the bullfighting tradition and the bullfighters of Salamanca.

The museum was inaugurated on December 29, 1993. In 1995, it was named the "Primitivo Sánchez Laso" Salamanca Bullfighting Museum in homage to the person who, for many years, presided over the Salamanca Bullfighting Fan Club. Subsequently, in 2014, it was incorporated into the Castilla y León Museum Network. Its management is currently overseen by the Salamanca City Council through Turismo, Comercio y Promoción Económica de Salamanca, S.A.U. The current museum presentation is the result of the remodeling carried out in 2017.

The collection of objects and artworks at the Bullfighting Museum has been formed thanks to assignments and donations from institutions such as the Salamanca City Council, but, above all, the pieces have been donated by bullfighters, bull breeders, artists, and bullfighting enthusiasts.

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 a hundred, which gives an idea of their importance in the provincial economy. Salamanca has been a privileged area for breeding fighting bulls since ancient times, thanks to the existence of those peculiar ecosystems known as dehesas, mainly the Campo Charro. The abundant pastures and the wooded areas of holm oaks and cork oaks, together with ponds and small streams, constitute the perfect habitat for the fighting bull. The dehesa of holm oaks and cork 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. Here, one can see the brave bull in its natural habitat, learn about the process of breeding and selection of bulls, and enjoy unique landscapes where man feels united with nature.

ROOM III. BULLFIGHTING HISTORY OF SALAMANCA. FAIR, BULLRING AND SCHOOLS Here, visitors delve into the bullfighting tradition of Salamanca. Some of the topics covered in this room are: • The Salamanca 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 is held every year at the Exhibition Grounds, inheriting the ancient livestock fairs that had such national renown. • Information is displayed here about the three bullrings built in Salamanca in the second half of the 19th century, paying special attention to the last of them, the Plaza de Toros de la Glorieta. • Since 1985, there has been a Bullfighting School in Salamanca, dependent on the Provincial Council. It trains picadores, sword assistants, novilleros, and bullfighters. More than a thousand students have passed through it, a large group of whom have taken the alternativa and achieved the dream of becoming bullfighters.

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

ROOM V. BULLFIGHTERS OF SALAMANCA Three great figures of bullfighting occupy a prominent place within the room dedicated to bullfighters from Salamanca. • 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 enthusiasts: • Mainly 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.

ROOM VII.- AUDIOVISUAL OF THE SALAMANCA DEHESA AND EXHIBITION OF SMALL OBJECTS