It’s a bird… It’s a plane… No, it’s a flying improvisada!
Costa Rica’s annual Zapote festival, held in the capital city of San José, ended on Sunday, but not before an unforgettable spectacle took place in the bullring. A 1,100-pound bull named “El Cincuenta” (The Fifty) stole the show by catching and launching a Costa Rican woman, identified as Angie from San Sebastián, several feet into the air and over the ring’s barrier. The shocking moment was witnessed by thousands of festival-goers, and it left everyone in awe as Angie went airborne before landing on the other side of the protective barrier.
This dramatic event took place during the traditional bullfighting, a highlight of the Zapote festival, where participants known as improvisados (improvised rodeo clowns) willingly enter the ring to taunt the bull. These brave (or some might say reckless) individuals face off against bulls like “El Cincuenta” with no protective gear, relying solely on their speed and reflexes to dodge the charging animals. Hundreds of improvisados line up each year for the opportunity to enter the ring, despite the inherent dangers of the event.
While Angie was lucky enough to walk away from her encounter with the bull without any serious injuries, not everyone was as fortunate. This year, at least 18 people were hospitalized during the Zapote festival’s bullfighting events, including a U.S. missionary from Pittsburgh. Injuries ranged from minor bruises to more severe cases, as the festival’s traditional toros a la tica (bullfighting, Costa Rican style) is known for its unpredictability and intensity.
Despite the risks, the Zapote festival’s bullfights remain a beloved tradition in Costa Rica, drawing both locals and tourists alike to witness the excitement and spectacle. Though the event concluded this past Sunday, the stories of daring improvisados and flying participants will undoubtedly be talked about for years to come.
