Course landaise

Ecarteur

Course landaise is a traditional French bloodless bullfighting sport, primarily practiced in the Landes region of Gascony in southwestern France. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, the course landaise does not involve killing the bull. Instead, it focuses on the agility and bravery of the participants, known as écarteurs and sauteurs.

History

The origins of course landaise can be traced back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest forms of bullfighting in France. It evolved from rural festivities and agricultural fairs where locals would demonstrate their skills in handling cattle. Over time, it became a structured sport with specific rules and dedicated arenas known as plazas de toros.

The Arena

The course landaise takes place in a circular arena, similar to those used in Spanish bullfighting. The arena is surrounded by wooden barriers to protect the spectators. The bulls used in the sport are typically of the Spanish fighting bull breed, known for their agility and strength.

Participants

There are two main types of participants in course landaise:

• Écarteurs: These are the athletes who face the bull head-on and perform evasive maneuvers to avoid being gored. Their primary skill is the écart, a sidestep that allows them to dodge the bull at the last moment.
• Sauteurs: These participants perform acrobatic jumps over the charging bull. Their stunts require a high level of athleticism and precision.

The Bulls

The bulls used in course landaise are specially bred and trained for the sport. They are not harmed during the event and are often used multiple times throughout their lives. The bulls are selected for their agility and temperament, ensuring a challenging yet safe experience for the participants.

Rules and Scoring

The course landaise is governed by a set of rules that ensure the safety of both the participants and the bulls. Points are awarded based on the difficulty and execution of the maneuvers performed by the écarteurs and sauteurs. Judges evaluate the performance and assign scores accordingly.

Cultural Significance

Course landaise is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Landes region. It is celebrated during local festivals and fairs, drawing large crowds of spectators. The sport is also a symbol of regional pride and identity, with many young people aspiring to become écarteurs or sauteurs.

Modern Developments

In recent years, course landaise has gained popularity beyond the Landes region, with events being held in other parts of France and even internationally. Efforts are being made to preserve the traditional aspects of the sport while adapting it to contemporary audiences.

See Also

• Bullfighting
• Landes
• Gascony
• Spanish fighting bull