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Lisbon native and bullfighter Nuno Casquinha practices a series of passes at Lloque Yupanqui park outside, Lima, Peru, July 23, 2013.
When Casquinha left home early last year, Spain had 765 registered bullfighters competing in the fights, known as "corridas." He had only managed to get into one bullfight in the first four months of last year, instead, he spent his time raising bulls on his parents' farm and training in the family's basement.
Dozens of bullfighters, mostly Spaniards, are hoping to gain fame in Latin America since Spain's economic crisis, compounded by rising ethical opposition to the bloody sport, has made it near impossible to compete there.
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Bullfighter Nuno Casquinha bows his head in prayer before his performance at a makeshift bullfighting ring in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
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Bullfighter Conchi Rios of Spain, looks on during her performance in Lima, Peru, June 23, 2013.
Star matadors in Spain can charge upwards of $200,000 for a single performance. In rural Peru, the European migrants get paid about $1,500 per outing. Normally, three matadors participate in each "fiesta taurina," or bullfighting event.
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Spanish bullfighter Emilio Serna performs during a bullfighting event in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
The Andean country hosts 540 bullfights a year, more than any other in Latin America.
Currently, 59 European bullfighters are active in Peru, according to Agenda Taurina, Peru's leading bullfighting guide.
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Bullfighter Nuno Casquinha choreographs moves before a performance at a bullfighting event in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
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A poster advertises an upcoming bullfighting event in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
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Bullfighters Nuno Casquinha, left, and Emilio Serna of Spain, prepare for their performance at a bullfighting event in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
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A bird's eye view of a makeshift bullfight arena in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
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Bullfighter Conchi Rios of Spain poses for a photo with local fans before her performance at a bullfighting event in Lima, Peru, June 23, 2013.
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Bullfighter Nuno Casquinha, right, talks with fellow bullfighter, Emilio Serna of Spain, second from the right, and a local bullfighter outside an arena in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
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Bullfighter Emilio Serna of Spain, left, rubs cream into his hands while Lisbon native Nuno Casquinha stretches before a bullfight in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
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Bullfighter Nuno Casquinha, waits to make the "paseillo" or ritual entrance at the start of a bullfighting event in Lachaqui, Peru, July 16, 2013.
