Bullfights in Sevilla

Bullfighting in Sevilla took place in Plaza de San Francisco up until the 18^th century, when construction began on the Real Maestranza de Caballería, today’s main site for bullfighting in Sevilla, found on Paseo de Colon.

Bullfighting is known to be an extremely risky profession, as before the bullrings were fit with medical centers, many bullfighters died in the ring. Despite the risk, many train for years to participate in the art of bullfighting, including some of the most famous of bullfighters hailing from right here in Sevilla. Sevillians Joselito el Gallo and Paquirri are extremely well-known fighters around the world.

There is more than one type of bullfight to see. A professional bullfight, called a corrida de toros, is the most popular and traditional, consisting of three parts. The three parts are called tercios, and begin with faena de capote, cape work. Next comes the stabbing of the bull to weaken and tire it, which is called tercio de picador y banderillas. Lastly, there is faena con multa, the final killing. Less famous are los novilleros, not yet professional bullfighters who fight smaller bulls, though they are still a sight to see. Rejones are horseback bullfights, which are particularly beautiful to watch.

The Maestranza of Sevilla has a capacity of 12,500 and is divided into two sections. The tendido de sol, the sunny section, is where you can buy cheaper tickets, but in the tendido de sombra, the shaded section, the tickets are a bit more expensive. The bullfighting season runs from April through October. During the week of Feria, the most famous bullfighters, such as Rivera Ordóñez, Julián López “Juli,” Javier Conde, Morante de la Puebla, and Miguel Báez “Litri” usually fight. If seeing a professional bullfight is not in your budget, you can see younger toreros, mostly between the ages of 12 and 20, practicing in the Parque Alamillo on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from about 4:30 until 6:30. The young toreros learn the art of bullfighting by fighting a cart with wheels.

 

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