Goyescas, Feria de Pedro Romero 2012

Have come up to Ronda for the day to see the family. The drive through the mountains was spectacular.

We're greeted by a town preparing for its annual fair (starting next week).
Ronda's fair is centred around its bullfighting history, and remains an event of national importance.

The town is home to Spain's oldest bullring and birthplace of Pedro Romano, the bullfighter (toreador) who innovated fighting standing in the ring rather than on horseback.
The name 'Goyescas' in Ronda's feria name (and a series of the corridas) references the traditionally dressed women with their intricate Andalusian head scarfs.
Francisco Jose de Goya depicted these Ronda women and macho toreadors in his acclaimed 19th century romantic painting style. His works are now in collections around the world including at the Getty in California, and the UK's national gallery.