A Practical Guide for Seville Spectators

Guide to bullfighting in Seville

Seville is one of the great bullfighting cathedrals, not only in Spain, but all over the world, where bullfighting is much more than just a hobby. It is art, culture, passion and tradition.

Seville has one of the most important bullfighting venues and one of the most eagerly awaited events for bullfighting enthusiasts. It is also one of the greatest bullfighting breeding grounds, which has produced some of the most important names in bullfighting history, including Curro Romero, considered one of the most special and charismatic bullfighters, as well as Ricardo Torres “Bombita”, Rafael “El Gallo” and Pepín Martín Vázquez, and more than twenty fighting bulls ranches.

From spring to autumn, bullfights are held every year featuring the best matadors of the moment and Servitoro has prepared a guide to bullfighting in Seville. Here we provide you all the information you need to enjoy the bullfights and the atmosphere of the city during the bullfighting fair like a true Sevillian.

La Maestranza, Seville's bullring

La Maestranza was built in 1773 and is Seville’s bullring. It is considered to be one of the greatest and most traditional bullrings in the world. Its tradition and architectural beauty make it one of the city’s main tourist attractions.

La Maestranza is a first-rate bullring that can seat 12,538 people and is regarded as the most “authentic” bullring in Spain, known as “the cathedral of bullfighting“, where only the best bulls and the best bullfighters can perform.

The Real Maestranza of Seville opens the bullfighting season on Easter Sunday, a very important date for the Sevillians, when the first bullfight of the year is held in the bullring, and then continues with the long awaited Feria de Abril, which is the real bullfighting fair of Seville.

Bullfighting at La Maestranza begins at half past six in the evening, and minutes later the first bull jumps into the ring.

In short, La Maestranza is the greatest bullfighting temple in the world and a must-see if you are a bullfighting enthusiast.

Tips for visiting La Maestranza in Seville

The bullring is right in the city centre, on Paseo Cristóbal Colón. It is important to get there at least two hours before the bullfight, as it is always “sold out”. Otherwise, you could be in danger of getting in once the bullfight has already started.

If you are going for the first time, ask for help to find your seat, as you will see that it is a huge arena with multiple access doors and aisles, and it is very easy to get lost.

We also recommend renting a cushion when you enter, as the seats can be quite uncomfortable.

A fan is an essential item if you are going to La Maestranza in Seville, especially if you are sitting in the sun, as well as a white handkerchief, which you can use to express your agreement and request the trophies for the bullfighter. If you are going to be in the sun, sunscreen is also a must.

You will be able to bring in food and drink without any problems, but a bottle of water is essential, although there are also different bars where you can buy anything you want.

As far as clothing is concerned, La Maestranza is one of the most elegant bullrings, where men wear long-sleeved shirts and jackets, or even suits, while women wear long dresses, two-piece suits or the mythical Sevillana costume if the bullfight coincides with the Feria de Abril.

When does the Seville Bullfighting Fair begin?

Although the bullfights begin with Easter Sunday, the Seville Bullfighting Fair takes place in the month of April, during the legendary “Feria de Abril”, which is considered to be the most important, emblematic and prestigious bullfighting fair of the season.

In 2024, the Feria de Abril starts on Sunday 14th and ends on Saturday 20th April, and every day during the whole fair there are bullfights starting at 6:30 p.m., lasting between one and a half to two and a half hours. After the bullfights, the most common thing to do is to go straight back to the fairgrounds.

The main entrance to the Feria de Sevilla is the Real, located between Los Remedios and Tablada, which is famous for having a large gateway that leads to the fairgrounds. It is lined with streets named after famous bullfighters and houses a thousand casetas (stalls) where Sevillians and tourists from all over the world enjoy singing and dancing, always accompanied by a glass of manzanilla or rebujito (a glass of sherry).

How to buy bullfighting tickets for Seville

As mentioned above, tickets to go to the bullfights in La Maestranza sell out quickly, and it is common to see the “sold out” sign in every bullfight, regardless of the line-up.

Knowing this, Servitoro gives you the opportunity to buy tickets for bullfights in Seville in advance, booking them before they come out, to ensure you a privileged place in the bullring.

We are the official ticket office in Seville, where you can buy your tickets easily, quickly and securely, in the comfort of your home, avoiding trips and long waits in the queue.

To book your tickets for bullfighting in Seville, simply fill out the booking form and we will inform you as soon as the posters come out so you can get the best seats.