Arles is an ancient city that was started by the Romans. A Roman colosseum was still in use in July, 1945.
Roman Colosseum - Arles
Colosseum
Inside the Coloseum
Bullfight inside the Colosseum
The bull
Folkdancers during intermission at the bullfight.
Soldiers going to bullfights and touring a Roman Colosseum are an interesting contrast to the conditions in Mannheim area of Germany.
The bullfight was part of the Bastille Day celebration on July 14, 1945. Some women, especially the older ones, wore costumes of the time of the French Revolution. Some wore mantillas (spelling?). Seemed to be a definite Spanish influence in the area even in 1945. They wore these clothes in the main areas of town.
ReplyDeleteThe bull was not killed. The man wielded a stick about 30 inches long with a hook on the end. He appeared to try to hook the stick at the back of the bull's neck at the shoulder. The bulls did not seem very aggressive. They really didn't charge very hard, but acted aggravated and as if they were trying to run the man away. We were somewhat disapointed, but were glad to have the opportunity to see a bullfight.
Sounds like a really fun event!
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