THE HISTORY OF

CLUB TAURINO CHICAGO

During the summer of 1961, two separate groups of aficionados decided to organize a bullfight club in Chicago. The two groups united to form the nucleus of what would become Club Taurino de Chicago. After unification this group consisted of an "odd dozen." After a few informal meetings, the group had grown to 32 members when it held its first charter meeting in January, 1962.

The purpose of the club has been to stimulate the understanding of La Fiesta Brava; to serve as a center for the exchange of taurine ideas and experiences; and to provide members and the general public with information about the history, lore, and current situation of "tauromáquia" in all countries where it exists.

Club functions have not been limited to "bullfighting" per se, but have also embraced the study of the Hispanic-Latino cultures as they relate to art and literature. The monthly journal (newsletter) of the club - "Pases y Lances" - is recognized throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America as being one of the outstanding taurine publications in the English language.

The club has sponsored numerous tours to Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and more recently, France. On these tours, the club has been entertained and welcomed by the Mayors and bullfight clubs of the cities visited, as well as by ganaderos of bull-breeding ranches.

One of the more unusual club events was a "bloodless" corrida de toros staged at Wauconda, Illinois, on June 27, 1965 with some very contrary Brahma bulls from Louisiana. This event received not only local publicity, but national and international coverage as well. As a result of this world-wide exposure, we had some Swedish visitors who wanted to see "the bullfight club" in Chicago.

The club also presented a very extensive international bullfight art exhibit at Marina City on September 17, 1965, featuring a costly museum display which was air-shipped to us in Chicago from Mexico City with the assistance of the Chicago office of the Mexican Department of Tourism. We also had the assistance of the Spanish Commercial Attache, who provided us with bottles of sherry at our meetings during those early years.

CTC loves to travel! In 1963, 1964, and 1965, the club visited Spain and attended the ferias of Malaga and Valencia. In 1966, the club went to the feria of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. In 1969, the club went to the ferias in Malaga and San Sebastián. In 1970, the club returned to Mexico for the féria de San Marcos (Aguascalientes); and the club visited Spain again in 1971 -- Pamplona.

We continued our busy travel schedule in the 1970's: to Mexico - Aguas, Guadalajara, and Colombia -- Cali, Bogota, Manizales, Cartagena. In 1973, we went back to Spain (Gijón), returning to Sevilla in 1975 and Pamplona in 1977.

Since 1968, CTC has attended the NATC conventions. At that time we took the famous train ride to Los Mochis. In 1986, CTC sponsored its first NATC Congreso in Salamanca, Spain. In 1988, we sponsored our second NATC Congreso in Mont-de-Marsan, France. These were "firsts" for the NATC. All previous Congresos had been held in Mexico, California, or Texas. CTC again sponsored the NATC congreso in Nimes, France in 1992.

The original "odd dozen" probably had no idea that in the intervening years the scope of their venture would grow in membership and would feature a long list of honorary members including many dignitaries and authors of the taurine world.

As we pass "middle age" (1991-1992 marked our 30th anniversary!) we are still committed to providing the following: exciting trips; a top-notch journal; and programs that are both educational and interesting. Olé for the years behind us, and a toast for the years to come!

by Barbara Csernovicz

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Last updated: 1 August 1996
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