Fighting mood . . . Macau rolled out the red carpet last night to welcome some of Portugal's top bullfighters for today's spectacle. Rush-hour traffic was brought to a standstill as the bullfighters, including forcados (above), paraded through the streets. The stars of the procession were four equestrian fighters or cavaleiros, who cut a dash in their ornate brocade, and plumed tricorns.
A special 6,000 capacity arena has been built next to the Hotel Lisboa for the six-date event estimated to be costing between $8 million and $10 million. Four cavaleiros will take on the bulls at today's contest. The spectacle will also feature two teams of forcados, whose job it is to catch the bull by the horns at the end of the contest.
Daredevil spectators can try their luck in the ring but will not be covered by insurance if they are gored by an angry bull. Spectators will be challenged to pluck a $3,000 lai see packet from the leather-covered horns at the end of each of the six contests. But Taurus, the company staging the event, will not be liable for any injuries. Two ambulances will be on standby at the stadium.