Here’s my entry to this week’s Travel Theme, but with a twist!
Can you guess what this photo is all about?
Edited later to add:
OK, I’ve teased you for long enough! As most have you have correctly guessed, the photo was taken inside a bullring. This particular one is in the city of Antequera, in the province of Málaga.
What I particularly wanted to show you was the burladero (from the Spanish burlar: to evade, to dodge). In regular places around the ring, the wall is pushed outwards leaving splits that allow the bullfighter to take refuge, but which are too narrow for the bull.
The bullring in Antequera dates from 1848 and was rebuilt in 1984 in a style that reflects the city’s diverse architectural influences. It is said to be one of the most beautiful in Spain.
Image credit: cc Wikipedia
More photo challenges you might enjoy:
East of Málaga 
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i love how that red wall reflects back as pink on the post! that’s a great lesson for art students, or a lesson in learning how to see! great post! z
Thanks for that, z – much appreciated 🙂
All the best for the New Year.
By the way we’ll be spending the afternoon in Torrox today, if you happen to be hanging around I’d love to meet for tea or tapas, send me an e-mail (I’ve got it in the phone),
I’m away from home at the moment, Serena – in Australia! So I’m afraid a meet up with tapas will have to wait for another time. Would love to meet up soon though 🙂
I went to a bullfight years ago in Madrid, I have to admit it was quite boring and the only spectators there were a few elderly gentlemen.
I hope that in time bull-fights are outlawed in Spain, as they have been in Catalunya.
I’m not one for bull fighting, but it certainly is a manifestation of Spanish spirit and tradition and even, as you show, architecture. But I’d never heard of burladors — so that’s how it’s done!
I’ve visited a few bull-rings but only when they’re empty. The architecture is usually superb.
Yes, the burladors are the hidey-holes for the matadors – in case of need!
What amazing colours! I’m not a fan of bullfighting (in fact my brother-in-law went to one while he was in Spain and ended up fainting!) but I love the way the matadors dress 😉
The pomp and ceremony of it all is wonderful! OH dear, your poor BIL!
LOL – he was VERY embarrassed! 😉
Hmn, at first I thought it’s a horse racing arena 🙂
I can understand that!
It’s a Spanish bull-ring.
Since I was a little girl and our family would go to Spain on holidays, I’ve always wanted to see a bull fight. It’s an odd thing for a little girl to be interested in, I suppose, especially as I was only six when we moved from Europe to Canada! Have you seen a bull fight?
No I haven’t, Sally. I feel that I should so that I can comment on it, but I really don’t fancy it.
Thank you for teaching me a new word :). Your photo is great, the angle, the vibrance ……. and I like when you tease us 😀
Thanks you so much, Paula.
Be careful what you wish for! 😀
😀 I never am 😉
ah, I did not know that about the burladeros. the things I learn from you my friend 😉 I went to my one and only bullfight when I lived in Madrid as a junior in college. When we were planning our two week trip in 2010 I asked hubby if he wanted to see a bullfight and although it would have been a cultural experience, he decided he didn’t want to see one. Said he read enough about them in Hemingway novels. I’m glad I went all those years ago, but once was enough, thank you. Fabulous photos tho!!
oh, just realized the second one isn’t yours. nice photo nonetheless 🙂
That’s right – only the first photo is mine. Great colours though, aren’t they?
oh yes!!
I understand. It’s a very personal choice whether or not to go to a bull-fight. Like I’ve said, I have never been. I just don’t think I could stomach it,but if ever I chose to go, I think like you, it would be just the once.
To me a sport should have an unpredictable ending.
It’s always lovely to hear from you, Toby.
awe, you’re so sweet 😉 thanks!
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Hate bull fighting but I love the bull rings, the costumes, the slendour and the spectacle. Great shots!
I totally agree with you, Tanya.
beautiful , and I love the colors
Thanks, Katy.
A splendid arena of circles but terrible if it is for bull fighting.
Sadly, it is, Gilly. Whether we like it or not, bull-fighting is a fact of life here in Spain, and has been for centuries.
Very good – it’s a bullfighting ring but where is it?
Antequera, in the north of Malaga province.
Thanks. I thought it looked like Seville at first but the tiling was wrong!
I’ve teased everyone long enough – so I’ve just updated the post.
Of course I know what it is, Marianne. I saw one on “I Love Lucy”.
This is a clever response to the challenge.
Glad you enjoyed my take on it, John I thought I would tease a little today!
I
Beautiful photo of contrasting patterns, shapes and colours all hinting at its actual circular purpose 🙂
I like to tempt you….. lol
I’m going to pretend that it’s gladiatorial ring only and that the bulls watch as stupid people tackle one another? Or maybe it’s an elaborate puppet stage with lots and lots of seating?
I like your first suggestion – very much!
Hehe let’s make it real then, I’ll bring the stupid people…should I muzzle them before I put them in the transport crates?
Beautiful. I love the perspective of the shot. 🙂
Thanks so much, Cathy.
I have no idea, but it looks so pretty! And a little old century-ish. 🙂
It a shot through the gap in a bullring where the bull-fighter can take refuge from the bull.
bullfighting ring!!!
Correct. Well done!
powerful colours and composition
Thanks, Scott.
Olé! Bring on el toro!
¡Olé!
This one is more attractive that the ones i have seen in Mexico.
This is the bullring in Antequera, in Malaga Province. It was renovated in the 1980s and is considered one of the most attractive in Spain.
I have seen a Bull Fight – it eventually made me sad but your picture is very concise and circular !
Have you? I haven’t, but I’ve felt tempted so I would better be in a position to express an opinion, though it’s not something I’m in a hurry to do.
This place gets rowdy when filled! 😉 But ow look how awesome it is when it’s empty. 😀
I’ve never seen one full of people as I’ve never been to a bull-fight (nor would I want to), but you’re right, they are awesome when they are empty.
Looks like a bullfighting arena to me!
You’re right!
Do you have bull-fighting in Portugal, Julie?
Half circles? Empty stadiums? This is beautiful as usual!
Ah yes, both of those things – but I was trying to show the split in the wall of the bullring that allows the matador to take refuge from the bull.
Thanks for guessing!
Is it a bullfighting ring?
It is indeed, Jennifer!