If you’re planning a trip to Madrid and are interested in experiencing the traditional Spanish spectacle of bullfighting, you may be wondering what time the bullfights start. Bullfighting, or “corrida de toros” in Spanish, has a long and controversial history in Spain and remains a popular cultural event in many parts of the country. In Madrid, there are two major bullrings where you can see bullfights: Las Ventas and Vista Alegre.
At Las Ventas, which is one of the largest and most famous bullrings in Spain, the bullfights typically start at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m., although the exact time can vary depending on the day of the week and the season. It’s important to note that bullfighting season in Madrid runs from March through October, so if you’re visiting outside of those months you won’t be able to see a bullfight at either Las Ventas or Vista Alegre.
Before the actual bullfight begins, there is usually a pre-fight parade called the “paseillo,” during which all of the participants (including the matadors, banderilleros, and picadors) walk around the ring to greet the audience. This is followed by a brief ceremony where one of the matadors presents flowers to a statue of a famous Spanish torero.
Once these preliminary events are over, it’s time for the main event: The actual bullfight itself. A typical corrida de toros consists of six bulls that are fought by three matadors (two bulls per matador).
Each matador has several assistants who help them during their fights. The goal of each fight is for the matador to use their cape and sword to “domesticate” or “kill” each bull in turn.
While some people consider bullfighting to be a cruel and outdated tradition that should be banned, others view it as an important part of Spanish culture and heritage. If you decide to attend a bullfight in Madrid, it’s important to be aware of the customs and traditions surrounding the event. For example, it’s traditional to dress up in formal attire (like a suit or cocktail dress) and to arrive at the bullring early so you have time to buy a program and find your seat.
Overall, if you’re interested in experiencing one of Spain’s most iconic cultural events while visiting Madrid, attending a bullfight at Las Ventas or Vista Alegre can be an unforgettable experience. Just be sure to plan ahead and check the schedule beforehand so you know what time the bullfights start and can arrive in plenty of time to take in all of the excitement and spectacle.