On the island of Terceira, bulls are more than livestock—they are living symbols of strength, community, and heritage. One of the most striking expressions of this connection is the Tourada à Corda, the traditional street bullfight that electrifies village life for centuries. Unlike the formal arenas of mainland Portugal or Spain, these events take place in open streets, where locals, visitors, and the bulls themselves join in a thrilling, unpredictable dance of skill, courage, and spectacle.
From Dairy and Beef to a Cultural Symbol
Cattle first arrived on Terceira with Portuguese settlers in the mid-15th century, shortly after colonization began. Permanent settlements appeared around 1450–1470, and livestock quickly became essential to island life. Cows provided milk, butter, and cheese, while oxen and bulls supplied meat and labor. Early herds were small—often just a handful of animals per family.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, herds expanded. Families kept 10 to 15 cows, not just for survival but as a mark of prosperity. Improved trade and transport allowed Terceira farmers to sell surplus beef, milk, and cheese, eventually turning small-scale agriculture into a modest commercial enterprise. By the 19th century, commercial herding was more structured, with larger herds dedicated to exporting beef and dairy products, cementing cattle as a central part of island life and culture.
Bulls, in particular, gained symbolic importance, admired for their power, agility, and central role in festivals—a status that would eventually evolve into the Tourada à Corda tradition.
Historical Roots: Bulls in Battle
The story of the Tourada à Corda is inseparable from Terceira’s history. Its origins are intertwined with the legendary Batalha da Salga in 1581, when the islanders defended themselves against Spanish invaders. According to local legend, Brianda Pereira, a courageous island woman, released her herd of bulls onto the battlefield, sowing chaos among enemy forces and helping secure the island’s safety.
This historic act elevated the bull from a working animal to a symbol of resilience and communal strength. The Tourada à Corda honors that heritage: releasing bulls into the streets under the careful watch of villagers echoes the bravery of the past, celebrating both the animals and the community that relies on them.
Respect, Skill, and Community
Today, the Tourada à Corda is a carefully orchestrated celebration. Festivities usually begin around 1:00 PM, when ranchers and villagers gather to sort the bulls. A parade of flower-decorated cars follows, honking horns, shouting, and signaling the excitement building toward the evening event.
By 6:00 PM, the streets come alive. A bull is released from its box with a firework that booms once, marking the start. At this moment, the Pastores—ten men split into two groups of five—take their positions along the rope. Dressed in gray slacks, white balloon blouses, and black flat-brimmed hats, they guide and control the bull, ensuring safety while maintaining the rhythm of the spectacle.
Meanwhile, the Capinhas, amateur bullfighters, move freely along the streets. Equipped with carpets, rugs, and umbrellas, they tease and challenge the bull, performing small dances and shouting “olé” to engage the crowd. This interplay between Pastores, Capinhas, and bull creates a dynamic, electric energy that pulses through the village as the Tourada Quarter progresses.
Each bull typically participates for 15–30 minutes, with a double-boom firework signaling the end of its bout. Events usually feature four bulls, interspersed with 20-minute breaks that give the community time to socialize and prepare for the next round.
The Terrain That Shapes Terceira’s Bulls
What makes Terceira’s bulls so remarkable is not just tradition—it’s the land itself. The island’s central pastures, with rolling hills and lush, open fields, force the bulls to roam freely, building strength, stamina, and agility. This rugged terrain, combined with the mild Azorean climate, produces bulls that are exceptionally powerful and responsive, creating a level of spectacle that visitors will not find on other islands. Every leap, turn, and charge you witness in the streets reflects months and years of movement across this hilly, natural landscape.
Legal Framework and Oversight
The Tourada à Corda is governed by regional legislation to ensure safety and maintain tradition. Key regulations include:
- Maximum four bulls per event and total event duration of no more than three hours.
- Lide duration: Each bull participates for 15–30 minutes, except in exceptional circumstances.
- Horn protection: Bulls’ horns are capped with balls or leather to reduce risk.
- No bull killing: Bulls are released after the event and rest for at least three weeks before returning to competition.
- Event route: The designated street is typically 500 meters, controlled by the Pastores.
For after-sunset events, additional rules apply: proper lighting, a route no longer than 450 meters, conclusion by midnight, and scheduling only on Fridays, Saturdays, or the eve of public holidays.
Bulls are transported to the event site no earlier than two hours before the start and returned to pasture within 90 minutes after the conclusion. The owner or rancher is always present, and exceptional bulls may participate in four to six events per season, building reputations over multiple years.
The Fifth Bull: A Toast to Tradition and Camaraderie
In the lively world of the Tourada à Corda, there’s a playful saying among locals: “The fifth bull is the beer.” While not an official part of the event, this phrase captures the spirit of the celebration. After the bulls have been returned to their enclosures, the streets of Terceira come alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. It’s a time when the community gathers to share stories, enjoy local drinks, and celebrate the day’s events.
The “fifth bull” symbolizes the camaraderie and joy that follow the adrenaline-filled moments of the bullfights. It’s a reminder that while the bulls may be the stars of the show, the true essence of the Tourada à Corda lies in the shared experiences and bonds formed among the people.
So, whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or joining in the festivities afterward, remember to raise a glass to the “fifth bull” — the spirit of Terceira that continues to thrive long after the last bull has been led away.
Experience and Celebration
When you are on Terceira, consider attending a Tourada à Corda. It is more than an event—it is a community celebration, a living tradition that immerses visitors in the island’s culture, energy, and history. By the end of the season, locals are already missing the excitement and planning for next year’s festivities. The event is a wild, exhilarating spectacle, creating memories that linger long after the fireworks fade and the bulls return to pasture.
Experiencing a Tourada à Corda is a chance to witness courage, skill, and tradition woven together in a celebration that is uniquely Terceira—a pulse of energy you can feel in every cheering crowd, every dance of the Capinhas, and every agile movement of the bulls themselves.
When you’re ready to explore Terceira Island at your own pace, Drive Terceira is here to help you get behind the wheel. Whether you’re heading to a Tourada à Corda, chasing sunsets along the coast, or discovering hidden miradouros in the hills, our reliable cars make it easy to experience the island’s culture and beauty firsthand.
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