The ''alternativa'' ("alternative"), in
Spanish-style bullfighting, is the act by which a ''novillero'' is authorized to be considered a ''
torero'', so that he can alternate in
bullfighting
Bullfighting is a physical contest that involves a bullfighter attempting to subdue, immobilize, or kill a bull, usually according to a set of rules, guidelines, or cultural expectations.
There are several variations, including some forms wh ...
with other bullfighters of the same category, both in bullfighting on foot and
on horseback
"In Dulci Jubilo"/"On Horseback" is a double A-side single and third overall by English musician Mike Oldfield, released in November 1975 by Virgin Records. It features an instrumental version of the German traditional Christmas carol "In dulci j ...
.
From the point of view of
anthropology
Anthropology is the scientific study of humanity, concerned with human behavior, human biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics, in both the present and past, including past human species. Social anthropology studies patterns of behavi ...
, it can be considered that taking the ''alternativa'' is a
rite of passage
A rite of passage is a ceremony or ritual of the passage which occurs when an individual leaves one group to enter another. It involves a significant change of status in society. In cultural anthropology the term is the Anglicisation of ''rite ...
or transition in which the bullfighter completes one stage of his formation to start another in which he becomes a professional
matador
A bullfighter (or matador) is a performer in the activity of bullfighting. ''Torero'' () or ''toureiro'' (), both from Latin ''taurarius'', are the Spanish and Portuguese words for bullfighter and describe all the performers in the activit ...
of bulls. This change becomes effective with the ritual or ceremony of the ''alternativa'' and in the symbolism of the presentation of the bullfighter in society, in which he dons the ''
traje de luces
The ('suit of lights') is the traditional clothing that Spanish bullfighters (, , and ) wear in the bullring. The term originates from the sequins and reflective threads of gold or silver. These are based on the flamboyant costumes of the 18 ...
'' ("suit of lights") embroidered in gold or silver, which only bullfighters wear. The rite is again verified when the bullfighter puts an end to the professional stage of his life and retires as a matador of bulls with the act or ritual of passage of cutting the ponytail.
References
Bullfighting
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