Bullfighting Season in Spain 2025

Corrida is the most traditional, but also the most controversial of Spanish Fiestas

Best time: late March–early October

Bullfighting dates back to ancient times. While it was a popular spectacle in ancient Rome, in the Iberian Peninsula, these contests were fully developed by the Moors from North Africa, who overran Andalucia in AD 711. Nowadays, you can observe bullfighting all over Spain. All major Spanish cities have great bullrings, but the most spectacular are the ones in Madrid, Seville, and Ronda. The popular Pamplona Running of the Bulls at the San Fermin festival is also worth watching.

While some cities in Spain still hold bullfighting spectacles and welcome new visitors to witness this long-standing tradition, other municipalities, such as Barcelona, Calonge, and La Vajol, completely banned and abolished the practice.

Best Time to See Bullfighting

Generally, the bullfighting season for most parts of Spain runs from April until September. However, the first bullfights take place already in late March and the last ones—in early October. There is also a number of bullfighting festivals held all over the country in and out of season. Valencia holds a famous one in March and another one in Ciudad de Rodrigo, near Salamanca, welcomes festival goers in February.

Corrida de Toros in Valencia (March 9-October 9, 2024)

Being one of the most popular bullfighting destinations, Valencia's schedule is jam-packed with exhilarating spectacles of experienced matadors. Corrida de Toros is regularly held in Plaza de Toros, reminiscent of Colosseum with its amphitheater structure. There are three main events during which most of the bullfighting takes place: Semana Grande de las Fallas in March, Feria de Julio in July, and Dia de La Comunitat Valenciana in October.

Schedule

This year, Semana Grande de las Fallas spans from March 9 to March 19 and features an exclusive novillada, bullfighting with young bulls, as part of the Virgen de los Desamparados Festival on May 11th. The Feria de Julio bullfight takes place in the second half of July on July 20th. Dia de La Comunitat Valenciana bullfights unfold on October 5-6th and 9th.

La Maestranza in Seville (March 31-September 29, 2024)

In the southern part of Spain in Andalusia, the city of Seville begins the bullfighting season in late March and until late September. The spectacles unfold regularly in La Maestranza, the city's renowned bullring, starting from March until the end of May. The program slows down during the summer, hosting just a few bullfights in June and continues in September with final performances of the season.

Feria de Pedro Romero in Ronda (August 22-September 8, 2024)

One of the oldest bullrings in Spain, praised for its unique structure and build, Plaza de Toros de Ronda regularly hosts bullfights. It's located in the picturesque city of Ronda in the province of Malaga. However, the most anticipated event of the year is the Pedro Romero Festival, held to honor the legacy of the legendary torero Pedro Romero. It takes place from late August and well into the first week of September and features a costumed parade and a city fair.

Corrida Goyesca (September 7, 2024)

The highlight of the celebration is the bullfight unfolding on the first Saturday of the month, Corrida Goyesca. It's notable for its tradition to wear attire, reminiscent of Francisco de Goya's painting. The spectacle takes place at 7:30 pm and tickets range from €126 to €269.