BOMB'S STEER

This tradition is unique in Ecuador, according to investigations carried out by different historians in
various works about the "History of Mira"; apparently has its origin in the ancient Spain. Some
researchers mention that the festival of the Bomb's steer, is called "el juego del toro embombado"
name that the historians give to the tradition of our town, according to accounts of history.
ORGANIZATION
The festival of the Bombs steer was carried out once each year in February in honor of the Virgin
of the Charity, of which the citizens are very devout. Currently the event develops also in August,
by the cantonization of Mira.
The feast begins in the morning of the day Saturday with the cartage of the branches of chilca and
of achupalla along the streets from the city accompanied by the music of the Band of town "The
Satellites, this singular parade will culminate in the Stadium "Galo Plaza",that is the main stage of
the festivities of Mira.
PREPARATION
The steer is a spirited and brave bull given by some local ranch, this animal is held in the stadium
at least some three hours before the race. Around 19 o'clock a group of men that know the
technique to put the bombs to the bull, gather for such process, they know that technique since
small or they have learned it of their parents or grandfathers,
The confection of the bombs is carried out on the horns of a dead bull, these are covered with
branches of penca or cabuya (they avoid that the heat arrive to the bulls horns), on the
pencas is placed animal fat and is rolled up remnants of cloths which will serve of fuel, which
will burn during the race. The animal fat does that the cloths burn in a way slow and so the fire last
more than one hour, time that the race will last.
CEREMONY
The ceremony begins holding to the animal with the halters. The halters are elaborate with leather
of animal, this is tried in order then to twist it, subsequently to conserve it flexible and strength is
smeared bait over him continuously. when the bull is lying on the ground, and once the animal is
insured,its is placed on it a headstall , built especially for this event. Then are tied the bombs very
carefully.
After being assured that the headstall and the bombs are placed correctly, they are kindled, and
the steer is ready to leave to the court. To the headstall is tied a halter called "game halter " that
has more than twenty meters and with this will be held to the steer while runs in the court.
Before the steer leave to the court, the chamiza is kindled, and it continues being consumed
expecting that the bull leave to give the main spectacle at night. When the bull enters the court,
the risky bullfighters look with daring to the furious animal.
All these personages make this festival something without equal in all the country, a tradition of
which the citizens of Mira should feel proud.