Gallery: Forget Matadors, These Guys Wrestle Bulls With Their Bare Hands
Eduardo Leal01The Reunion
A forcado tries to hang on after the 'pega' or face catch and is helped by the rest of the group in the Évora Arena in Évora, Portugal. July 19, 2013.
Eduardo Leal02Dressing for the bullfight
Forcados from the group in Évora get help putting on five-meter red waistbands that protect their internal organs from the bull. Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal. August 15, 2013.
Eduardo Leal03Rabujador closes the performance
João Madeira, a member of the forcados group from Évora, acts as the 'rabujador' and pulls the tail while riding in circles to close the performance. Évora Arena. Portugal. July 20, 2013.
Eduardo Leal04Forcados jacket
The 'jaqueta', or a forcado's jacket seen in the dressing room before the bullfight in Valverde, Portugal on August, 3 2013. The jacket distinguishes each group from a another because of the different fabrics and patterns. It is also extremely important for the forcados since it passes from generation to generation.
Eduardo Leal05Forcado lost in deep thoughts
José Martins, a member of the Forcados of Évora, after a difficult catch. Entradas Arena. Portugal. July 26, 2013.
Eduardo Leal06Forcados broken leg
José Martins, a member of the group of Forcados of Évora, broke his leg after an attempt to wrestle the bull in Redondo, Portugal, on August 9, 2013. Forcados are frequently injured during their career. Some suffer broken bones, while others are disabled or even killed.
Eduardo Leal07Blessings before wrestling the bull
Before the group enters the arena to face the bull, forcados perform a small blessing. Forcados are known to be extremely religious. Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal. August 15, 2013.
Eduardo Leal08The face catch
A member of the Forcados of Évora performs a face catch. Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal. August 15, 2013.
Eduardo Leal09Praying for protection
Guga Oliveira, one of the members of the Forcados of Évora, watches as another member of the group prays before the bullfight. Alcochete Arena, Portugal. August 13, 2013.
Eduardo Leal10Jumping the trenches
A forcado jumps into the arena. They try to make it as artistic as possible, since its one of the most important rituals before the 'pega' or head catch of the bull. Alcochete Arena, Portugal. August 13, 2013.
Eduardo Leal11Forcados jacket after wrestling the bull
A detail of the forcado jacket after the 'pega,' or face catch. Redondo Arena, Portugal. August 10, 2013.
Eduardo Leal12Salutes from the public
Dinis Caeiro, a member of the Forcados of Évora, leaves the arena after a successful 'pega' or face catch. When the pega is done on the first attempt and with style, the forcado goes around the arena to receive applauses and flowers from the public. Entradas, Portugal. July 26, 2013.
