It can take many years and a considerable amount of money to become a matador. Most start in their teens or even earlier. They begin as a becerista - one who fights calves. At this stage the person may actually have to pay to fight. Once they improve they become a novillero - one who fights bulls that are not yet the full four years of age required for a matador. As he gains experience and a following he may take the alternativa or graduation to the rank of full matador de toros under the sponsorship of a veteran matador. Then he is eligible to compete with other full matadors in major bullrings if he can get the contracts. At this stage, some find that they are unable to find much work and may renounce their alternativa and return to the rank as novillero where they may find more work but less money.
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The length of a bullfight depends upon how many animals are to be fought that particular day. It normally takes about 20 minutes for each animal. A typical bullfight with 6 bulls will run approximately 2 hours if all goes smoothly.
In a regular bullfight there are usually six bulls and each takes about 20 minutes. A normal bullfight lasts about 2 hours.
In a Spanish-style traditional bullfight there are normally 6 bulls fought and each takes about 20 minutes. Total time is about 2 hours.
The temporada usually begins in April around Easter and runs through September or October.
Bullfights may be held at almost anytime in Mexico but the season generally runs from about Easter Sunday until September.