Seville bullfighting schedule 2026: Tickets & buying guide

If you’re planning to attend a bullfight in Seville in 2026, checking the schedule is only the first step. The real challenge is securing a seat before they sell out.

While the official season runs from Easter Sunday (April 5) until October, the most popular fights—especially during the Feria de Abril—are often fully booked weeks in advance.

Below, you’ll find the complete official 2026 calendar. However, seeing the date is easy; getting the ticket is the hard part.

Ready to book? If you already know your dates, I recommend securing your seats immediately to avoid disappointment: Check availability & prices for Seville bullfights 2026

Unsure how to choose? If you don’t know the difference between “Sol” vs. “Sombra” seats or want to avoid box office queues, read my complete tutorial: How to buy Seville bullfight tickets easily & safely.

Quick summary: 2026 season at a glance

Key Event	2026 Dates	Ticket Demand	Recommendation
Season Opener	April 5 (Easter Sunday)	Very High	Book Online Now
Feria de Abril	April 20 – May 3	Sell Out Likely	Book Weeks Ahead
Novilladas	Thursdays in July	Low	Buy Online or at Box Office
San Miguel	Sept 26 – 28	High	Check Availability

Can’t make these dates? Seville’s bullfighting season is relatively short and sporadic. If you don’t see a date that fits your trip, don’t give up!

• Going to Madrid? The season there is the longest in the world (March–October). Check my guide to the Madrid bullfighting schedule.
• Traveling elsewhere? Bullfights happen all over the country. View the complete Bullfighting Festivals in Spain Calendar.

Official 2026 Seville bullfighting schedule (spring)

The spring season is the most prestigious time to visit La Maestranza. It begins on Easter Sunday and peaks during the Feria de Abril.

Important: These are the most expensive and sought-after tickets of the year. You’ll see top matadors (like Morante de la Puebla or Roca Rey). If you want to attend one of these dates, you must book in advance.

The Big Opening (Easter)

• April 5 (Easter Sunday): Morante de la Puebla, Roca Rey, David de Miranda.
  • My Pick: The most prestigious day of the year. Absolute sell-out guaranteed. Check ticket availability.

Pre-Feria Week

• April 11 (Saturday): Pepe Moral, Lama de Góngora, Fabio Jiménez.
• April 12 (Sunday): Álvaro Lorenzo, Rafael Serna, Molina.
• April 14 (Tuesday): Novillada (Apprentices). Emiliano Osornio, Tomás Bastos, Julio Norte.
• April 15 (Wednesday): Miguel Ángel Perera, David Galván, Aarón Palacio.

Feria de Abril (High Season)

This is the peak of the festival. Atmosphere is electric, and locals dress in their finest.

• April 16 (Thursday): Morante de la Puebla, Juan Ortega, Víctor Hernández.
• April 17 (Friday): Alejandro Talavante, Roca Rey, Pablo Aguado.
  • High Demand: A “blockbuster” lineup. Roca Rey draws massive crowds. Book now.
• April 18 (Saturday):Manuel Escribano vs. Borja Jiménez.
  • Event Type: Mano a Mano. Only two matadors facing 3 bulls each. A unique, intense format for true aficionados.
• April 19 (Sunday): Rejones (Horseback Bullfighting). Andy Cartagena, Lea Vicens, Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza.
  • Insider tip: Rejones are often more visual and slightly less bloody (no picadors), making them popular with families.
• April 20 (Monday): Morante de la Puebla, Borja Jiménez, Tomás Rufo.
• April 21 (Tuesday): José María Manzanares, Talavante, Daniel Luque.
• April 22 (Wednesday): Diego Urdiales, Emilio de Justo, David de Miranda.
• April 23 (Thursday): Manzanares, Roca Rey, Javier Zulueta.
  • Top Pick: Another huge day. Two superstars plus a rising talent. Check tickets.
• April 24 (Friday): Daniel Luque, Juan Ortega, Pablo Aguado.
  • Artistic Choice: Three matadors known for their “Sevillian” artistic style.
• April 25 (Saturday): El Cid, Fortes, José Garrido.
• April 26 (Sunday): Manuel Escribano, Pepe Moral, Román.
  • The Bulls: Miura. Legendary, massive bulls. Known for being dangerous and difficult. A must-see for those who value the animal’s power.

View all spring tickets and prices now.

Spring novilladas & Corpus Christi (May – June)

These dates are perfect for travelers who want to experience a bullfight without the extreme crowds (or prices) of the Feria.

• May 10 (Sunday): Novillada. Carlos Tirado, Mario Vilau, Julio Méndez.
• May 17 (Sunday): Novillada. Uceda Vargas, Gonzalo Capdevila, Mariscal Ruiz.
• May 18 (Monday): Novillada. López Peregrino, Martín Morilla, Ruiz de Velasco.
• June 4 (Corpus Christi): Morante de la Puebla, Juan Ortega, Pablo Aguado.
  • Special date: A traditional holiday in Seville. A great chance to see top figures (Morante) outside of the Feria week. Check availability.
• June 11 (Thursday): Novillada. Manuel Olivero, Rodrigo Tenorio, Sergio Rollón.

Check novilladas ticket availability.

Summer novilladas (July)

During the summer, La Maestranza hosts a series of nighttime Novilladas sin picadores (apprentice bullfights without lancers). These take place on Thursday nights and are designed to showcase up-and-coming talent.

Because they start later in the evening (21:00) to avoid the intense summer heat, and tickets are very affordable, these events offer a relaxed atmosphere and serve as a fantastic introduction for first-timers who are curious about the experience.

Here is the official schedule for the summer promotion series:

• Thursday, June 25 at 21:00. Manuel León, Ignacio Sabater, Cristóbal de Lara, Manuel León, Armando Rojo, and Daniel García.
• Thursday, July 2 at 21:00. Curro Muñoz, Antonio Santana, Manolo Martínez, Roberto Cordero, Cristian Restrepo, and Juanmi Vidal.
• Thursday, July 9 at 21:00. Jaime de Pedro, Israel Guirao, Nicasio Carbonell, Javier Spínola, Rodrigo Villalón, and Rojas Ramírez.
• Thursday, July 16 at 21:00 (Grand Finale). Los Triunfadores (This event serves as the finale, featuring the winning/triumphant novilleros from the previous three events).

Tickets: Since these are fuera de abono (outside the regular season ticket subscription) and generally have lower demand than the spring fairs, you can comfortably purchase tickets online closer to the dates.

Check novilladas ticket availability.

Feria de San Miguel (September)

The traditional closing of the season. The weather is usually perfect: warm but not scorching.

• September 24 (Thursday): Novillada. Olga Casado, Ignacio Garibay, Manuel Domínguez.
• September 25 (Friday): Manzanares, Talavante, Juan Ortega.
• September 26 (Saturday): Emilio de Justo, Roca Rey, Pablo Aguado.
  • Season highlight: Roca Rey returns for the closing weekend. Expect high demand.
• September 27 (Sunday): Morante de la Puebla, Daniel Luque, Borja Jiménez.
  • Season highlight: Morante has a final appearance after his huge spring success. Expect very high demand.

Check San Miguel ticket availability.

Top matadors to watch in 2026

While the exact dates for each bullfighter are usually confirmed in late February, there are certain names that define the season in Seville.

If you see these names on the schedule (the cartel), expect high demand and higher ticket prices. These are the figures that bring the “no hay billetes” (sold out) sign to the box office.

Morante de la Puebla

• The style: Pure art (arte).
• Why watch him: He’s a local legend from La Puebla del Río, just outside Seville. Morante is known for his vintage, romantic style. He doesn’t just fight; he “paints” with the cape.
• The risk: He is unpredictable. He can have a disastrous afternoon or give you the most magical 20 minutes of your life. In Seville, he’s worshipped.

Andrés Roca Rey

• The style: Power and risk.
• Why watch him: The Peruvian superstar is currently the biggest box-office draw in the world. He fights incredibly close to the horns and takes risks that terrify the audience.
• The vibe: If you want excitement, adrenaline, and a guaranteed show of courage, look for his dates. He usually fights during the most important days of the Feria.

José María Manzanares

• The style: Elegance and class.
• Why watch him: Manzanares has a special connection with La Maestranza. His style is slow, rhythmic, and incredibly aesthetic. He’s the epitome of the “Seville School” of bullfighting.
• The vibe: Watching him is like watching a dance. He is often the favorite of the traditional aficionados.

Juan Ortega and Pablo Aguado

• The style: The “Sevillian taste.”
• Why watch them: These two younger matadors represent the future of the artistic style in Seville. They favor smoothness and natural movement over brute force.
• The vibe: If you want to see the poetic side of bullfighting rather than the violent side, these are the names to look for.

Insider tip: When the schedule is released, dates featuring Morante or Roca Rey will be the first to sell out. If you see a combination (cartel) that includes two or three of these names together, buy your tickets instantly.

What to expect: A timeline of the afternoon

Attending a bullfight in Seville is a ritual that begins long before the first bull enters the ring. To get the full experience, don’t just show up at the starting time.

Here’s a typical schedule for an 18:30 corrida (adjust accordingly if your event starts at 19:00 or 21:00).

17:30 – The pre-fight atmosphere

About an hour before the fight, the area surrounding the Plaza de Toros comes alive.

• Where to go: Head to Calle Adriano and Calle Antonia Díaz. These streets are packed with aficionados having a drink, discussing the upcoming fight, and hoping to catch a glimpse of the matadors arriving at the hotel or the plaza.
• What to see: Look for the horse-drawn carriages arriving with the cuadrillas (the matador’s team). The atmosphere is a mix of tension and festivity.

18:00 – Doors open

Enter the plaza at least 30 minutes early. Finding your specific Tendido (Section), Fila (Row), and Número (Seat) can be confusing in the crowded, narrow corridors.

• Very recommended: As soon as you pass the ticket check, rent a cushion (almohadilla). You’ll see the stacks of leather cushions—grab one. It’s the best investment you’ll make all day.
• Locate your seat: The stone rows are tight. Get settled before the crowd fills in.

18:30 – The start (sharp!)

In Spain, everything runs late—except bullfighting.

• The rule: The fight begins exactly at the scheduled time. If you’re not in your seat when the trumpets sound, the doors to the seating area will close.
• The lock-out: You’ll be forced to wait in the corridor until the first bull has been killed and dragged out (approx. 20 minutes). Don’t be late.

19:30 – The “merienda” (snack break)

Halfway through the event (usually after the third bull), there’s a short pause.

You’ll see locals unpacking sandwiches (bocadillos) and passing around drinks (water or soft drinks). It’s a moment for the tension to break before the second half begins.

20:30 – The exit

When the fight ends, the exit can be slow due to the crowds.

Where to go next?

You’re right next to the Triana Bridge (Puente de Isabel II). I recommend crossing the river into the Triana neighborhood for tapas and a drink to debrief on what you just saw. It’s less touristy than the center and has a great evening vibe.

Where to sit: Sol vs. Sombra explained

Choosing the wrong seat is the number one reason visitors regret buying bullfighting tickets. On paper, Sol (Sun) and Sombra (Shade) just sound like a price difference. In reality, the experience is completely different.

Here’s how to choose without roasting in the heat or overpaying.

Tendido de Sol (Sun)

These are the cheapest tickets, but they come with a price.

• The reality: You’ll be sitting in direct sunlight from the start of the fight (usually 18:30) until almost the end. In May and June, temperatures can still be above 30ºC (86ºF) at this time.
• My take: Avoid these if possible. The savings are rarely worth the discomfort. I’ve seen many tourists leave halfway through because they couldn’t handle the heat.

Tendido de Sol y Sombra (Sun & Shade)

• The reality: As the name suggests, these seats start in the sun but become shaded as the sun goes down during the fight.
• My take: A smart compromise. If Sombra is too expensive for your budget, aim for this. You might sweat for the first bull, but you’ll be cool for the last one.

Tendido de Sombra (Shade)

These are the most expensive seats, located on the side of the “President’s Box.”

• The reality: You’re in the shade from the moment you arrive. It’s significantly cooler and you have better visibility of the area where very often the fight is controlled.
• My take: Best for first-timers. If you can afford it, pay the extra. The comfort difference is dramatic, allowing you to focus on the event rather than the heat.

Insider tip: Regardless of where you sit, the seats are made of stone or bricks) and are very hard. When you enter the bullring, you’ll see people renting cushions (almohadillas) for a couple of euros.

Rent one. Do not think twice. Your back will thank you after two hours.

Need a detailed seating chart? For a row-by-row breakdown and explanation of the tendidos, check my full guide: How to choose the best seats in Seville.

Quick comparison: Which seat fits your budget?

Seat Type	Price Estimate	Sun Exposure	Comfort Level	Best For…
Sol (Sun)	€ (Low)	100% Direct Sun	🔥 Very Hot	Budget travelers & adventurous youth.
Sol y Sombra	€€ (Med)	50% Sun / 50% Shade	🌗 Warm to Cool	Smart travelers who want value.
Sombra (Shade)	€€€ (High)	0% Sun (Shaded)	❄️ Cool & Comfy	First-timers, families & seniors.

Ready to book?

Now that you know the dates and the best sections, you’re ready to secure your place.

Check availability for all 2026 bullfights here.

Frequently asked questions about Seville bullfights

Ready to experience the tradition?

If there’s one piece of advice I can give you after years of living in Seville, it’s this: don’t wait until you arrive in the city to look for tickets.

During the Feria de Abril and the big spring dates, the “no hay billetes” (sold out) sign is common. There’s nothing worse than standing outside the arena listening to the crowd cheer while you are stuck on the street.

Secure your seats online, get your e-ticket, and show up relaxed.

Check availability & prices for all 2026 bullfights.

Still have questions? If you’re still confused about the seating chart or the booking process, my step-by-step tutorial breaks it all down for you:

Read: How to buy Seville bullfight tickets easily & safely