Bullfights in Madrid

As with the fiestas, bullfighting is an intrinsic part of Spanish culture, and with its adrenaline-charged brutality, is like no other sporting event in the world.

Madridis one of the best places to see a bullfight in Spain, mainly because it is significantly less touristy than the ones that occur elsewhere, like Andalusia.

It goes without saying that a bullfight involves explicit scenes of animal cruelty, and as such it is worth exercising caution with regards to attending one, particularly if with the family.

A bullfight can go on roughly 2 hours, but this of course depends on many factors.

A normal fight consists of 3 matadores (the trained bullfighters) against 6 bulls. The matadores take turns to fight two bulls each. Usually the most experienced fighter begins, unless there is a brand new participant on stage.

Each matador directs 3 different sections that amount to a total of 15 minutes. The first involves the matador receiving his bull with a large cape. In this process he passes judgement on the bull and its aptitude for the fight.

The second section, involves other men known as picadores and banderilleros. Picadores, on horseback, use long lances to weaken the bull's neck muscles. In a second rush of violence, the banderilleros stab barbed sticks into the bull's back.

In the third and final part, the matador receives the bull alone with a small red cape, attempting to pass the bull as close to his body as possible. After this a sword is taken with the aim being for the matador to kill the bull by thrusting the sword between the shoulder blades.

The fight is then judged by the public. Their reaction dictates whether or not the matador is awarded one or both of the bull's ears. If a fighter receives two ears in the same afternoon, he is lifted up on to somebody's shoulders and transported out of the ring. Such a procession is the ultimate achievement for any fighter. On the very rare occasion that the crowd feel the bull deserves a second chance, its life will be spared.

Tickets for a Madrid bullfight can be purchased two days before or on the day of the fight. If you are buying on the day then the hours for the ticket booths are between 1000 – 1900, although it is probably best to arrive earlier in case a famous matador is performing.  

Ticket prices range from as little as 3EUR to over 100EUR depending on seating and stature of the fighter/s.

Hotels.bz