Bullfights can be quite bloody affairs, and matadors use red so that the blood of the bull is less visible on the cape. Contrary to popular belief, bulls are not angered by the colour red. You've almost certainly heard the myth that bulls will go crazy at the sight of anything red.

Why do matadors use red cloth?

Bulls are irritated by the movement of the cape. They see the waving fabric and charge, regardless of color. In fact, the muleta is only used in the final 3rd of a bullfight The matador uses it to hide his sword, and he pierces the bull as it charges past. The cape is traditionally red to mask the bloodstains.

Does red actually attract bulls?

The answer is no. Surprisingly, bulls are colorblind to red. The true reason bulls get irritated in a bullfight is because of the movements of the muleta. Bulls, including other cattle, are dichromat, which means they can only perceive two color pigments.