This essential guide to bullfighting in Seville gives you all the practical information you need to make the most out of this tradition.
Like it or not, bullfighting is a cultural pillar without which, rightly or wrongly, Spain would be less present in your imagination.
So if you are keen to learn of this traditional Spanish fiesta, this is the right place.
Would you like to see bullfighting in Seville?
It all starts with a simple question: would you like to see a bullfight in Seville? Or rather… Should you?
First thing first. If you want to make an educated decision, learn what a bullfight is.
Check the Seville bullfighting official schedule
In Seville, the bullfighting season begins at end of the Semana Santa (usually April), and ends in late September. The most important bullfighting event takes place during the Feria de Abril, and it is a great option to go to a corrida if you happen to be in the city.
Therefore, depending on the dates of your trip, you may want to have a look at the Seville bullfighting schedule.
How to buy your Seville bullfight tickets
Getting your bullfights tickets to go to a corrida in Seville can be a bit challenging. La Maestranza bullring is relatively big and it is divided in several areas.
And with so many different types of seats, how will you know which one is best according to your budget?
Have a look at my step by step guide on how to get your bullfight tickets online. There you will find everything you need to know about the seating areas of La Maestranza, where to buy the tickets and have an idea of a price range.
Go to La Maestranza: Seville bullfighting ring
Initially a wooden bullring built in 1733, La Maestranza has undergone several modifications throughout the years until becoming the beautiful structure that you can visit nowadays.
With a capacity of 12,000+ spectators, it is considered the most traditional bullring in Spain with aficionados naming it “la catedral del toreo” (“the bullfighting cathedral”). It is relatively easy to get lost, so you should definitely read this full guide on the bullring.
Oh, and don’t forget to learn how to get to the bullring because you should not arrive late to the bullfight!
How to watch a bullfight in Seville
Going to a bullfight for the first time can come with a mixture of emotions. For most travellers, there is a sense of apprehension as well as intrigue. That said, this is an event best attended with an open mind.
For bullfighting aficionados, going to a bullfight is to witness a powerful, artistic, sensory and dangerous event. They want to see which matadores perform the best, whether the ganadería (bulls’ breeds) are good or not, and quite simply, which matador will succeed most in understanding the bulls and risking his life to triumph on the arena.
As a foreigner, you may decide to experience a bullfight out of curiosity, to witness a cultural spectacle, or to make up your mind for yourself about a very controversial topic. So before attending a bullfight, you may have some questions.
This practical guide on how to watch a bullfight in Seville provides all the information you need to know before going to the bullring.
Tips to enjoy bullfighting in Seville
“When should I arrive to La Maestranza and how ca I get there?”
“How should I dress for a bullfight?”
“Can I bring something (e.g. snacks, camera, umbrella)?”
This is just a sample of the most popular questions that I get from my readers. And, as you can imagine, once the Seville bullfighting season approaches, the number of questions increases dramatically…
That’s why I decided to gather a series of practical tips, based on your questions and on my own experience, to help you out.
Additional information on bullfighting in Seville
Outside Spain there is very little understanding of what is a bullfight, what happens exactly during the event and, most importantly, how to experience it like a local.
If you have the intention to attend a bullfight, I can’t recommend you enough to read on the subject as much as you can:
- Knowing the basics of the Spanish bullfight rules is crucial to get a glimpse of what goes on during a bullfight.
- Would you like to you make the most out of the experience? Follow these 7 bullfight tips. They will prove useful whether you go to a bullfight in Seville or somewhere else in Spain.
- Are you considering attending a bullfight but you are not whether it is worth it or not? I am sure that you have at least one of these general questions. Read the answers carefully as they give you the insight you need to know before making your mind.
- Finally, have a look at a complete glossary of bullfighting terms.