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SCMP Reporter

Bullfight organisers in Macau trust a female touch will attract crowds to the bloody event plagued last year by bad weather and animal rights protesters.

 Portuguese cavaleira Marta Manuela, 24, will be one of the top bullfighters appearing in the five-day $5 million fiesta aimed at attracting tourists.

 Ms Manuela is the world's only female cavaleira - Portugal's most prestigious level of mounted bullfighters who ride horses as they challenge the 500-kilogram animals.

 Two dozen bulls and three horses are being flown in especially for the event, which will be held on September 27 to 28 and October 1, 4 and 5.

 Last year, the tournament was condemned by students and animal rights protesters and a purpose-built stadium was two-thirds empty during the opening touradas.

 Another day was cancelled because of heavy rain.

 Campaigners have this year promised to petition Macau's Governor and plan to protest against the event.

 But organiser Jose Pinto said he was not concerned about campaigners: 'Last year we had an average of 4,000 people per show, compared to only a dozen protesters. I think we can conclude they have no meaning.'  Any protests or attempts to disrupt the spectacular would be 'all part of the show', he said.

 He said the event had broken even last year on ticket sales. It is hoped 70 per cent of spectators at this year's fiesta will come from Hong Kong. Visitors to the enclave dropped by eight per cent in the first seven months of this year.

 A 6,000-seat bamboo arena has been built alongside the Avenida Infante D'Henrique for the fiesta. Tickets range from $90 to $400.

 A procession through the enclave has been organised for 5 pm on September 26.

 The Macau Government has contributed $2.5 million towards the event.

 The bulls are expected to arrive four to five days before the contest from Portugal. Mr Pinto said the bulls would be slaughtered after the contest and the meat sold to restaurants.



Bullfight organisers billing event as woman versus beast