OK, I know that many consider bullfighting cruel to the bulls, barbaric and all the rest. Still, it is a major part of the culture of Spain, and this will be my first, maybe only, opportunity to experience Spain. So, I am thinking of attending a bullfight to judge for myself, and figure the good and bad parts of bullfighting will be occurring whether I attend or not. I will be in Seville on May 1, a national holiday, when there is a major bullfight scheduled, and it appears plenty of seats are still available. Costs are somewhat high, but not atmospheric, prices about equivalent to a major concert or play. Do any of you know bullfights, and might be able to guide me? I understand the difference between sun, shade, and sun/shade, and figure that for my one bullfight, I want shade. One question is whether there is an appreciable difference between being lower/closer, or higher/further, in terms of seeing the spectacle, and being able to photograph with a small camera, no really long lens. Should I pay extra to be lower and closer, or is higher up maybe a better view? Finally, this bullfight is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm. So I ask, with ticket in hand, should I arrive considerably earlier for some reason? And, about what time should the event conclude? Any guidance would be appreciated.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
We attended a bull fight in Madrid in the afternoon so sun and shape made a big difference. However, if you want to take picture it would be best to sit on the west side so that you are not taking picture into the sun. We sat about the middle so I don't know how much difference it makes being higher or lower. The arena is bowl so I don't think it makes a lot of difference. We saw six fights and each round take may be 30 minutes or so. There is a lot of pageantry associated with the fight and expectations of the crowd so watch the locals. Once the fight starts do not leave your seat. It is considered disrespectful of the matador to leave during the match. There is a substantial break between each bull. It is messy, and all the things that people criticize the bull fight for is true. But from a cultural view point I was interested in seeing one. I did and I will not go back. In our fight the bull won the third match. The next day's paper carried a nice write up with a picture about how promising the young bull fighter from Mexico had been.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7887 posts
Our web host here, Rick Steves, has written extensively in his Spain books about the moral issues you raise. He also discusses his decision to attend fights, and some of the things to expect. Just as a reader of Hemingway, I was very glad to go to one bullfight, in Seville. I don't need to go again, but I don't feel like I was immoral. (Now that we know football causes C.T.E., how can we continue that money-printing franchise, with protection from anti-trust laws to boot?)
I found the small live band a startling accompaniment, with their slightly wavering pitch. It helped me understand the "sound" of the Tijuana Brass and Jay and the Americans, if you're old enough to have ever heard those groups.
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
Hi Larry,
My mom & I took a tour of the, 'Plaza de Toros', while in Sevilla, however we did not attend a bullfight.
If you check images of the 'Plaza de Toros' on google, you can get an idea of the number of seat rows there are.
I'd presume that you may want to sit closer to the ring, rather than farther up, especially if you want to take photos.
You may want to read this: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/seville/bullring.htm
Posted by
1 posts
First off all, congrats on your trip to Spain and especially Seville! My wife and I went two years ago and Seville was the highlight of my trip.
I am somewhat of Bullfight aficionado and have attended many in Mexico, especially during my youth as a student there.
Unlike bullfights in Mexico where the atmosphere is festive and lively, the people in Seville are knowledgeable and take this very seriously. Frankly this might not be the best venue for a first timer who might get squeamish.
I would however highly recommend the walking tour with Concepcion and then follow up on her suggestion for the flamenco performance! Even better than the Bullfight! Then find the big Cuban lady in the alley rolling Cuban cigars, but one and then find Sangria!!
Ole!!
-Jake P
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
If it's considered disrespectful to the matador to leave the ring during the fight, what Is considered respectful to the bull ??
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Applaud when the bull makes a good pass and he performs his part of the ritual very well.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
There will be seats available until shortly before the fight. When I was there, I gathered it's not normal for Spanish people to book things well in advance. Buying a ticket at the Plaza ticket windows the day before the corrida, even during April Fair, was fine.
I would try for a seat in the shade, not only will you be more comfortable but it's a little easier to watch with the sun behind you.
The only thing I found disappointing was the method to wear the bull out before the matador comes out. Out of six bulls, four had to be repeatedly coaxed to do anything but stand there exhausted - not sure if that's normal. One bull gave a good fight and the crowd cheered for quite awhile, the matador did a curtain call and walked around the ring with people either giving or throwing flowers. One lady gave the matador a chicken. I think they also cut off an ear for that one.
It was the first appearance for one matador since being gored the year before. We saw the replay over and over on the big screen TV at a bull bar. The matador's foot slipped very slightly and almost instantly the bull's horn went up threw his jaw. He lost one eye and was wearing an eye patch.
Posted by
OP
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Thank you, bullfight fans. I am neither blood-thirsty nor squeamish, but love traditional events, so I will plan to attend the May 1 bullfight in Seville, will sit in the shade, and will be respectful and not leave my seat during an individual "match", just in between. Still haven't figured out if a seat down low merits the extra expense or not. It appears that the Plaza de Toros does not provide electronic tickets, but expects to send them to customers by the postal system. Do you know, did I understand that correctly? I am afraid that if they mail to me in the US, the ticket will not arrive before I travel, and if I have them mail to me at some hotel along my way, it may not reach my hands. They do not seem to offer some type of "will call" option. Unless someone here can offer guidance, I guess I will try to contact the ticket office directly. Also, can any of you either confirm or contradict what Brad says, he says that if I just wait until the day before to buy tickets in Sevilla, they will still be available. I would certainly be disappointed to wait and then find the tickets sold out. Thanks, bullfight fans!