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.
Practical info
When is the best time to witness bullfighting in Spain?
Bullfighting season in Spain runs from late March to early October, but the festival is at its peak between April and September. Valencia is popular, as it has the Falles festival in March. Other countries, such as Ciudad de Rodrigo, hold bullfighting festivals as early as February. Show more
What is the origin of bullfighting in Spain?
Moors from North Africa developed bullfighting when they took over Andalusia in AD 711. It was previously used in ancient Rome in the form of gladiatorial contests. The sport continued to grow in popularity through the 18th and 19th centuries to become what it is today, the iconic Spanish tradition. Show more
Where are the most spectacular bullrings located in Spain?
Major Spanish cities often have bullfighting, but Madrid, Seville, and Ronda are home to the most striking bullrings in the country. These cities host many significant bullfighting events, and in particular, Seville boasts one of the oldest bullrings still used today, that also presents a unique beauty and admirable arena. Show more
Are there any bullfighting festivals held out of season?
Several Spanish cities celebrate festivals that showcase bullfighting both inside and outside the regular season. In March, Valencia has a bullfighting festival, and in February, there is one in Ciudad de Rodrigo near Salamanca. Although these festivals may not be as impressive or as frequent as those during the season, they still portray the tradition and excitement of bullfighting to tourists. Show more
How long is the bullfighting season in Spain?
Spain's bullfighting season begins from late March to early October. The most popular period of the season for visitors is between April to September. Nevertheless, several bullfighting festivals are held at different times of the year, although these have a more modest scale than those seen in the bullfighting season. Show more
