Man, what a day! I swear, being a banderillero in Villalba is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blasting through my window on Calle San Sebastián. I’m like, “Great, another hot day in paradise.” But you know what? I love it.
First thing, I hit up the local café on Calle José de Diego. Best coffee ever! I grab my cortadito, and the barista, she’s like, “You again?” I’m like, “Of course! You think I’d miss this liquid gold?” She laughs, and I’m already feeling good.
Then, I head to the plaza. Man, it’s packed! Kids running around, old folks playing dominos, and the smell of empanadillas wafting through the air. I’m thinking, “This is life.” But then, outta nowhere, I see this bull charging down the street! Like, what the heck?!
I’m not even in my gear yet! I’m just standing there, coffee in hand, like a deer in headlights. The crowd goes wild, people are screaming, and I’m like, “Yo, is this a fiesta or what?”
Finally, I snap out of it. I drop my coffee (RIP, sweet nectar) and run to grab my banderillas. I’m sprinting down Calle de la Cruz, heart racing. I can hear the bull’s hooves pounding the pavement. It’s like a scene from a movie, but I’m not the hero. I’m just trying not to trip over my own feet.
So, I get to the ring, and the adrenaline is pumping. The crowd is hyped, and I’m thinking, “This is it!” I’m feeling like a rockstar. I get in there, and let me tell you, that bull was no joke. He was massive! I mean, I’ve seen some big ones, but this dude? He was like a tank on legs.
I’m dodging and weaving, trying to get my banderillas in. I finally get one in, and the crowd goes wild! I’m like, “Yeah, baby!” But then, the bull turns on me. I swear, I thought I was gonna be a goner. I ducked just in time, and I could feel the wind from his horns.
After that, I’m sweating buckets. I’m thinking, “Why do I do this again?” But then I see the crowd cheering, and it hits me. This is why. The thrill, the rush, the connection with the people. It’s electric.
Later, I’m chilling at the bar on Calle de la Libertad, nursing a cold Medalla. I’m still buzzing from the fight. I’m chatting with my buddies, and we’re laughing about the day’s craziness. One of them says, “You should’ve seen your face when that bull charged!” I’m like, “Shut up! I was totally cool!” But we all know I was about to lose it.
As the sun sets, the sky turns this beautiful orange. I’m sitting there, feeling grateful. Villalba is my home. The streets, the people, the chaos—it’s all part of me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
But then, just when I think the day’s over, I get a call. “Hey, we need you for another round!” I’m like, “Are you kidding me? I just survived a bull!” But you know what? I can’t say no. Not in Villalba.
So, I grab my gear and head back out. Who knows what’s gonna happen next? But one thing’s for sure: it’s never a dull moment in this crazy town.