Never in my life did I ever dream to see a live bullfight and watch a matador pierce an agitated bull with a sword; however since I was in Spain for a once in a lifetime trip, I decided to concede when a friend brought me to my first bullfight experience in Madrid. Prior to agreeing to watch the bullfight, I detested the act itself. I see it as a modern day gladiator event – the matador versus the bull. It is either the matador dies from the attacking bull’s horns or the bull dies from the matador’s act of deceit. And all these are happening amidst a huge crowd roaring with all sorts of cheers – some coaxing the matador to act fast, some agitating the bull even more, some criticizing the matador as if they were better bullfighters than the courageous man standing in the middle of the large ring.
I cannot say that I fully agree to this continuing tradition after watching a live bullfight, but I can say that I have a better perspective now that I have been there and have felt the rush of a real bullfight. Also, I feel that I am in a better position to share this experience to those who are still deciding whether or not to watch this very old tradition.
My First Bullfight Experience in Madrid – The Day of the Event:
I remember I watched my first bullfight experience in Madrid one evening in May 2012. As we were commuting to the bullfighting ring, I thought to myself that the venue will not be as packed. I mean living in a modern, highly technological age might have caused the waning of the tradition’s popularity which happens to other old traditions in other places. Lo and behold, as we alighted the subway and got out of the exit, Las Ventas, I saw hordes of people heading towards the same direction as we were walking to. I actually did not know whether I was astounded by the huge crowd waiting outside the venue or by the enormity of the bullfighting venue. Since I was not really interested in watching a bullfight, I didn’t even bother research what the venue would look like that’s why my jaw dropped when I saw how beautiful, intricate, and large it is.
The main bullfighting venue in Madrid is known as Plaza de Toros located in Las Ventas, Madrid. The structure was constructed in the late 1920s following the Moorish architectural style and design. This venue is currently the third largest bullfighting stadium in the world which can seat about 25,000 spectators. Mind you, the stadium is filled with excited spectators every bullfighting event and it was jam-packed when I watched with my friend back in 2012. One thing that I observed as I entered Plaza de Toros was the semi-formal attire worn by the spectators, which gave me the impression that most of these spectators were affluent. The complete opposite of what I expected.
My First Bullfight Experience in Madrid – Toro!
After roughly fifteen minutes of going through the crowd, we finally eased our way to our seats. My friend was able to purchase tickets months ahead online, so we got a relatively nice view that is partly shaded. I think our tickets costs €22 each which seated us at Fila 22 or Row 22 under the Sol y Sombra or Sun and Shade area. I didn’t know that there were various bullfighting events locally known as Novillada, Rejones, and Corrida de Toros. My friend got us tickets for Corrida de Toros which is one of the much awaited bullfighting events of the season.
Should you be interested in watching a bullfight but will less action, so to speak, you can choose the Novillada event. Novillada is a bullfighting event that features novice bullfighters or matadors in training. These young fighters go against young bulls not more than 4 years old. If you have already watched a traditional bullfight and want to see something new, you can opt to buy tickets for a Corrida de Rejones event. Rejones features horseback riding matadors going against full grown bulls. The artistry and the technique executed by matadors is far different from the traditional bullfight which attracts many spectators worldwide. Lastly, if you want to watch the full-pledge, traditional bullfight, then you should go for the Corrida de Toros event. This event features experienced and famous matadors going against strong bulls.
Going back to my first bullfight experience in Madrid, I felt quite nervous yet excited to see the first match. When the matador stepped onto the ring, the crowd cheered. His aura exuded confidence and valour, something that the whole crowd felt. I remember the matador wearing a bright blue suit and pants embellished with intricate embroideries and sequins and a uniquely shaped hat. This traditional suit is known as traje de luces or suit of lights and the traditional hat is locally known as montera. I think more than the exciting part of the bullfight when the bull charged the matador and the matador gracefully evades the horns of the bull, I was more amazed at the colors, clothing, and the posture of the matador.
The event took about two hours and featured 3 main bullfights. Although, I felt sad for the fate of the bulls, I guess it took some time for me to process it because the artistry of each bullfight felt hypnotic. It was not as morbid as I thought it would be. Finally as we walked out of the stadium, we saw some butchers selling meat outside the stands. When I asked why there is a meat shop outside, my friend said that the meat sold are of the bull’s that the matadors killed. And guess what? Men actually clamoured to buy a piece of meat, especially the bull’s balls. What a tradition this really is!
My First Bullfight Experience in Madrid – Are you brave enough?
Before you even purchase your plane tickets to Madrid, Spain, you should know that the bullfighting tradition in Madrid happens between March to October only. Tickets are sold as early as January so you need to plan your trip ahead so you can fix your itinerary. Once you have planned your itinerary, you can now ready your requirements for your Schengen visa application. Here are the requirements:
- A filled out Schengen visa application form
- Valid passport and copies of the front and back pages
- A couple of recent passport photos with white background
- Travel Insurance – It is best to get it from Schengen Travel Insurance, a more affordable and reliable insurance company.
- Proof of Travel – flight booking, hotel booking, and travel itinerary. You may get a Flight Booking, Hotel Booking, and Travel Itinerary just to get a Schengen Visa without having to pay for the ticket, reservation, or tour packages.
- Personal Coverage Letter
- No Objection Letter – This may come in handy when applying for a Schengen Visa.
- Bank documents
Should you have further questions about the visa application process or obtaining some of the requirements, just contact us and one of our friendly agents will respond to your queries.
Try to follow my first bullfight experience in Madrid and see this dying Spanish tradition.
