Bullfight Season Madrid

Bullfighting may not be on everyone´s list of favourite things to do in Spain, but it is undoubtedly a large part of the country´s heritage and culture, and particularly in the capital city, Madrid. The first bullfight took place in 711 AD to honour the crowning of King Alfons VIII, and the sport was originally only associated with royalty, when the bulls were fought on horseback.

Held every Sunday between March and October at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, and also on various bank holidays throughout this time, these events attract thousands of spectators every weekend. Many other activities are held to coincide with the bullfighting Sundays, and the streets around the bullring are always crowded.

Top fighters come to Madrid during the season to show off their skills and courage, and aficionados of the corrida flock to the city from all over Spain.


Contact details: Madrid Tourist Office. Tel: 0034 915 882900. Fax: 0034 913 665477. E-mail: infomadrid@munimadrid.es

When: May-October (annual).Entrance:.Various.

Opening hours: Various.

Getting there: By Metro: Ventas. By Bus: lines 12, 21, 38, 53, 106, 110 and 146.

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Blood at the Iglesia de la Encarnación Madrid

One of the most traditional and bizarre celebrations takes place annually at the Iglesia de la Encarnación in Madrid. An ancient relic containing the blood of the doctor, San Pantaleón, who was martyred in the 4th century AD is shown to the devout onlookers who watch with awe as the congealed blood liquefies before them.


Originating from Pope Paul V´s time, when the relic was bequeathed to the Viceroy of Naples in the 7th century, it found its way to Madrid through the viceroy´s daughter who served as a nun there.


Although this event may not be to everyone´s taste, it is a fascinating phenomenon, and is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Once liquefied, the relic containing the blood is paraded through the church to shouts of celebration from the locals.

Contact details: Iglesia de la Encarnación. Tel: 0034 91 5470510. Fax: 0034 91 547 6947.

When: July, (annual).Entrance:.Free.

Opening hours: Daytime.

Getting there: Metro: Opera / Santo Domingo

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Madrid Festival May

The 2nd May Celebrations, Madrid

Held annually in the Plaza Dos de Mayo, this traditional celebration pays homage to the amazing spirit of the Madrileños who fought courageously against the French army on 2nd May, 1808.
Napolean´s brother, Joseph Bonaparte, enjoyed a brief spell as King of Spain in the early 1800s, the French were finally forced out in 1813, and this historic day is now celebrated in the Masalana district of the city with music and dancing.

Festivities take place in and around Masalana, which was named after the seamstress, Manuela Masalana, who was shot in the struggle.

Dos de Mayo celebrations herald the beginning of Madrid´s summer street fiestas which take place throughout the city.

Contact details: Madrid Tourist Office. Tel: 0034 91 588 2900. Fax: 0034 91 366 5477. E-mail: infomadrid@munimadrid.es

When: 2nd May annually.

Entrance:.Free.

Opening hours: All day and evening.

Getting there: Take the metro to Tribunal, Bilbao.

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