Video: ‘Toros a la tica’ at Fiestas de Zapote

ZAPOTE — The iconic (but controversial) Fiestas de Zapote concluded Sunday night with a final round of toros a la tica, the Costa Rican-style bullfighting.

During the event, brave members of the public can sign up as amateur bullfighters, known as improvisados. They provoke the bull, dodge attacks and compete for prizes — and recognition from the crowd.

While it is illegal in Costa Rica to kill the animal, activists say bullfighting is a tradition steeped in violence and that the events are still harmful to the bulls.

Still, the grandstands were packed Sunday for the show.

Watch a brief taste of toros a la tica below.

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