At first glance, one might think the subject of this piece is a top male model. He's certainly projecting that smoldering Latin sex appeal, isn't he? But Jose María Manzanares is actually one of Spain's most famous and respected toreros, or bullfighters.
I had the opportunity to attend a bullfight when I was in Seville several years ago, as I've always been attracted to the toreros' swagger as well as their Traja de Luces (suit of lights). And the evening's opening ceremonies did not disappoint, with all the colorful pageantry I was hoping for. But once they started stabbing the bull with their banderillas, my mood quickly soured, going from fascination to dismay.