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What happens when a matador does not kill the bull within the allowed time?

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In bullfighting, a matador is allotted 10 minutes to kill the bull, starting from the beginning of the muleta passes. If the matador fails to kill the animal within this timeframe, the following sequence occurs:

  • First Warning: A trumpet warning is blown, and the president issues an aviso.
  • Second Warning: A second aviso is given three minutes after the first.
  • Third Warning: A third aviso is issued two minutes after the second.

If the matador has still not killed the bull after these warnings, they must leave the ring in disgrace. This departure is often accompanied by whistling, boos, and potentially a barrage of thrown seat cushions from the audience. Following this, the wounded bull is removed from the arena and killed in the corrals.1