Ch2: Economic Aspect

Economic Aspect

“ Los espectáculos taurinos son la forma de vida de miles de familias (…). El turismo, la hotelería, los restaurantes, los proveedores de bienes y servicios, los microempresarios, los transportistas, los artistas, los vigilantes, los artesanos, entre otros, forman parte de la actividad económica relacionada a los toros.” (“Bullfighting events are the way of living of thousands of families (…). Tourism, hotel activity, restaurants, providers of goods and services, microentrepreneurs, transport people, artists, guardians, artisans, among others, are part of the economic activity related with bullfights”) (Economía Taurina). Bullfights involve an economic aspect that enhance the wellbeing of the people and city.

          The biggest bullfight event in Ecuador is with out any doubt the “Feria de Quito Jesús del Gran Poder”, which as its name shows, takes place in the Ecuadorian capital. Between the streets Juan de Ascaray and Amazonas the Iñaquito bullring is located. A site that, as discussed in the previous chapter, has become an icon for our culture and our people as well. In this, the economic aspect is not excluded. Informal economy in Quito, is highly raised during bullfighting events. Paper, food, clothing, among other informal commerce are very popular during this season. “Las vendedoras de empanadas de morocho venden la mitad de su venta anual durante la Feria de Quito. Porque la gente esta preparada para consumir adentro del evento, a diferencia de en el fútbol por ejemplo donde la gente lleva comida y la venta es muy poca, en estos días, la gente compra a diario y en grandes cantidades en los toros.” (“ sellers of morocho pies sell the half of their anual selling during de Feria de Quito. This is because people is prepared to consume inside the event. In contrast with soccer for example, to which people take their food thus, sells are low, in Feria days people buy daily and in big quantities.”) (Aulestia). Another clear example of this, is for example the hat industry. During 9 days, people, specially foreigners who are not used to it, have to protect themselves from the strong sun in the city at noon, in order to do this, they choose hats which also are a typical accessory in the bullring. In 2008 between 1^st and 6^th of December (Feria de Quito) 19624 tourists arrived to Quito (Economía Taurina). A consequence of the economic impulse shown previously  and also a cause of it is logically job generation.

          Ecuador being a third world country, must take advantage of any activity, that would give a working place to its people. This is something that bullfighting events accomplish in a very effective way. “ La Feria de Quito genera 58857 empleos directos y 98120 indirectos” (“Feria de Quito generates 58857 direct Jobs and 98120 indirect” ) (Economía Taurina). Generating jobs of most varied indole, bullfights in Quito are not just another event or celebration. Job generation is clearly seen in the rearing of bulls. A bull that is born has to be raised for at least four years to go to a bullring, in order for a cattle farm to have seven bulls that are able to be presented, it must have at least thirty-four cows and one stallion; it is law that they are bred in good sanitary and alimentary conditions which warranties a good behavior in the fight, during this process there are veterinary doctors, food providers, cow boys, medical providers, etc. Afterwards, in the city, entrepreneurs have to warrantee the spectacle with three bullfighters and their manager (per bullfight), nine banderilleros three helpers and one puntillero; other than that, somebody to transport the animals from the cattle farm to the city, two horses for the paseillo, eight for the picas, etc. there is also authorities in the bullring, office , security, logistic, medical staff, among others. (Gutiérrez) It is important to add all the tourism jobs involved because of the visitors during bullfighting seasons. As it can be seen, this activity is a real impulse for Ecuadorian labor force because of all the working places it generates, which are the most clearly seen in big seasons such as the ones in Quito and Ambato.

          “Feria de Quito Jesús del Gran Poder la mejor feria de América” (“Feria de Quito Jesús del Gran Poder the best season of America”) that is how the season in Quito is announced. And, with such an impressive name it can be imagined that the economic movement involved in it is as impressive at its name. Feria de Quito has a 9-day lasting season with a capacity of 14,880 spectators and a ticket income of approximately 14´486,129. 87 US dollars. Other than that, in a neighbor city, Ambato, another important season takes place. This one, smaller with a duration of 2 or 3 days and a spectator capacity of 10,065 and a ticket income of 1´986,332.7 US dollars (confidential source). With these two simple examples it can be clearly seen the economic movement and impact that bullfighting activity has.

          In conclusion, bullfights around the country and specially in Quito (because it has the biggest season) are a catalyst for economy. This is perfectly explained because they enhance informal commerce and business as little food markets. Another important feature is that it generates thousands of jobs that go from the people needed in the breeding of bulls in the farms to ticket sellers in the bullring. Therefore, we can surely argue that bullfighting generates an economic movement that enhances the city´s own economy and wellbeing. Apart from this, there is another really important beneficial aspect of bullfighting that must be highlighted, that of the ecologist aspect.