Charity Bullfight
14 JUNSunday · 7:00 pm
Charity Bullfight
Victoriano del Río · Toros de Cortés
The most solemn and elegant event of the year, organised for charitable purposes. Line-up: Talavante, Roca Rey and Víctor Hernández.
History, tradition and significance of the world’s most important bullfighting season
San Isidro Fair 2026
The most important bullfighting cycle
What is the San Isidro Fair?
The San Isidro Fair is the most important bullfighting cycle in the world and is held every year at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, in honour of the Spanish capital’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. For more than a month, the “Cathedral of Bullfighting” becomes the global epicentre of bullfighting, bringing together the leading names, the most prestigious ranches and fans from all five continents.
To triumph at San Isidro is to triumph in bullfighting. Madrid’s audience, considered the most demanding in the world, turns every paseíllo into a true test.
Beyond bullfighting itself, San Isidro is a cultural and social celebration that forms an essential part of Madrid’s intangible heritage. It coincides with the city’s patron saint festivities —May 15, the main day of San Isidro— creating a unique atmosphere where tradition, gastronomy, dress and art come together.
Origin and history
Although bullfighting celebrations in honour of San Isidro date back to earlier times, the San Isidro Fair as we know it today was born in 1947, promoted by entrepreneur Livinio Stuyck. Initially made up of just six or seven bullfights, the cycle grew in length and prestige until it became the largest season-ticket series in the international bullfighting calendar.
1931
Opening of the current Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, replacing the former bullring on Calle de Alcalá. It was designed by José Espeliú in neo-Mudéjar style.
1947
The San Isidro Fair is officially established as a dedicated bullfighting cycle, promoted by entrepreneur Livinio Stuyck.
1960s–70s
The season-ticket cycle becomes a must for any bullfighter aspiring to the top ranks, expanding to more than 20 events.
Today
More than 30 events each season, with an average of 23,000 spectators per afternoon and broadcasts to more than 100 countries.
2026 edition
Key facts about San Isidro 2026
General information about this year’s cycle
Dates
From May 8 to June 14, 2026
Events
21 bullfights, 3 novilladas, 2 rejoneo events and special events
Time
Daily start at 7:00 pm
Location
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
Calle Alcalá 237, Madrid
Unique dates in the calendar
The most special events
Three afternoons that define Madrid’s bullfighting season every year
Press Bullfight
28 MAYThursday · 7:00 pm
Press Bullfight
Juan Pedro Domecq
A traditional event organised by the Madrid Press Association. Line-up: Diego Urdiales, Roca Rey and Bruno Aloi (confirmation of alternativa).
In Memoriam
7 JUNSunday · 7:00 pm
In Memoriam Sánchez Mejías
Cortés · Domingo Hernández
A tribute to the legendary bullfighter. This year, Borja Jiménez takes on the challenge of facing all six bulls on his own.
The protagonists
Bullfighters with three paseíllos
The leading names appearing most often at the 2026 fair
AT
Alejandro Talavante
3 paseíllos
PA
Pablo Aguado
3 paseíllos
FA
Fernando Adrián
3 paseíllos
VH
Víctor Hernández
3 paseíllos
With 2 paseíllos, names such as Andrés Roca Rey, Sebastián Castella, Antonio Ferrera, Borja Jiménez, Daniel Luque, Tomás Rufo, David de Miranda, Diego Urdiales, Emilio de Justo, Fortes, Juan Ortega, Miguel Ángel Perera, Morenito de Aranda, Paco Ureña and Román also stand out. The fair also includes the confirmations of alternativa of Bruno Aloi, Manuel Diosleguarde and Tristán Barroso.
Official line-up
Full calendar 2026
Official line-ups for the San Isidro cycle.
1
FRI
MAY
Novillada
Ganaderías CAM
David López · Álvaro Serrano · Joel Ramírez
6:30 pm
2
SAT
MAY
Goyesca
El Pilar
Uceda Leal · El Cid · Javier Cortés
6:30 pm
3
SUN
MAY
Novillada
Couto de Fornilhos
Mario Arruza · Cristian González · J. A. Torrijos
6:30 pm
8
FRI
MAY
Bullfight
Núñez del Cuvillo
Talavante · Juan Ortega · Tristán Barroso (confirmation)
7:00 pm
9
SAT
MAY
Bullfight
La Quinta
Miguel Ángel Perera · Daniel Luque · Tomás Rufo
7:00 pm
10
SUN
MAY
Bullfight
Conde de Mayalde
David Galván · Román · Gonzalo Caballero
7:00 pm
12
TUE
MAY
Novillada
Montealto
Tomás Bastos · Martín Morilla · Álvaro Serrano
7:00 pm
13
WED
MAY
Bullfight
Partido de Resina
Antonio Ferrera · Calita · J. E. Colombo
7:00 pm
14
THU
MAY
Bullfight
El Parralejo
Sebastián Castella · Daniel Luque · David de Miranda
7:00 pm
15
FRI
MAY
San Isidro
Toros de El Torero
Diego Urdiales · Fortes · Fernando Adrián
7:00 pm
16
SAT
MAY
Bullfight
La Quinta
El Cid · Álvaro Lorenzo · Manuel Diosleguarde (confirmation)
7:00 pm
17
SUN
MAY
Bullfight
Fuente Ymbro
Miguel Ángel Perera · Paco Ureña · Fernando Adrián
7:00 pm
19
TUE
MAY
Novillada
Fuente Ymbro
Pedro Luis · Mario Vilau · Julio Norte
7:00 pm
20
WED
MAY
Bullfight
Saltillo
J. C. Venegas · Juan Leal · Juan de Castilla
7:00 pm
21
THU
MAY
Bullfight
Puerto de San Lorenzo / La Ventana
José María Manzanares · Juan Ortega · Pablo Aguado
7:00 pm
22
FRI
MAY
Bullfight
Victoriano del Río / Toros de Cortés
Sebastián Castella · Emilio de Justo · Tomás Rufo
7:00 pm
23
SAT
MAY
Rejoneo
Ángel Sánchez y Sánchez
Andy Cartagena · Diego Ventura · Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza
7:00 pm
24
SUN
MAY
Bullfight
Alcurrucén
Fortes · David de Miranda · Víctor Hernández
7:00 pm
26
TUE
MAY
Novillada
Conde de Mayalde
Emiliano Osornio · Pedro Andrés Montaldo · Julio Méndez
7:00 pm
27
WED
MAY
Bullfight
Pedraza de Yeltes
Isaac Fonseca · Molina · Jarocho
7:00 pm
28
THU
MAY
Press Bullfight
Juan Pedro Domecq
Diego Urdiales · Roca Rey · Bruno Aloi (confirmation)
7:00 pm
29
FRI
MAY
Bullfight
Garcigrande
Morenito de Aranda · Alejandro Talavante · Pablo Aguado
7:00 pm
30
SAT
MAY
Rejoneo
Mª G. Cortés de Moura
Rui Fernandes · Diego Ventura · Lea Vicens
7:00 pm
31
SUN
MAY
Bullfight
Adolfo Martín
Antonio Ferrera · Manuel Escribano · Paco Ureña
7:00 pm
2
TUE
JUN
Bullfight
José Escolar
Pepe Moral · Damián Castaño · Gómez del Pilar
7:00 pm
3
WED
JUN
Bullfight
Lagunajanda
José Garrido · Ismael Martín · Samuel Navalón
7:00 pm
4
THU
JUN
Bullfight
Jandilla / Vegahermosa
Emilio de Justo · Borja Jiménez · Víctor Hernández
7:00 pm
5
FRI
JUN
Bullfight
Juan Pedro Domecq
Uceda Leal · Clemente · Pablo Aguado
7:00 pm
6
SAT
JUN
Bullfight
Victorino Martín
Morenito de Aranda · Fernando Adrián · Román
7:00 pm
7
SUN
JUN
In Memoriam Sánchez Mejías
Cortés / Domingo Hernández
Borja Jiménez (solo performance)
7:00 pm
14
SUN
JUN
Charity Bullfight
Victoriano del Río / Toros de Cortés
Talavante · Roca Rey · Víctor Hernández
7:00 pm
Would you like to attend the San Isidro Fair?
Check all information about tickets, season tickets and availability in our dedicated section.
View bullfighting ticketsAttending the fair
General information
What you need to know about the San Isidro cycle
How to get there
- Metro lines 2 and 5 — Ventas station
- EMT buses: 12, 21, 38, 53, 106, 110, 146, 210
- Commuter train: 10 minutes from Recoletos
- Limited parking in the area
Structure of an event
- Starts promptly at 7:00 pm
- Approximate duration: 2 h 30 min
- 6 bulls are fought, 2 per bullfighter
- Three stages: picadors, banderillas and muleta
Tips for attending
- Arrive 30 minutes before the paseíllo
- Rent a cushion at the bullring
- Keep your phone on silent during the event
- Dress comfortably but smartly
Beyond the ring
A unique cultural celebration
The San Isidro Fair goes far beyond the bullring. During these weeks, Madrid comes alive with a unique cultural atmosphere: bullfighting clubs, debates in historic cafés, countryside events, book launches, exhibitions, concerts and the distinctive social life that surrounds the bullring.
The most prestigious ranches send their best bulls to Las Ventas, knowing that success at San Isidro greatly increases their reputation. Bullfighters know that a Puerta Grande in Madrid —the honour reserved for those who cut two ears or deliver a memorable performance— marks a turning point in their career.
The paseíllo and the ritual
Each event begins with the paseíllo: the solemn parade of the cuadrillas as they salute the presidency. At exactly 7:00 pm, the bugle announces the entrance of the first bull. The fight unfolds in three stages —picadors, banderillas and muleta— until the culminating moment of the final sword thrust.
Madrid’s audience is known for its severity and knowledge: it applauds authenticity, rejects trickery and observes respectful silences at key moments. Earning an “Olé!” at Las Ventas is one of the greatest recognitions a bullfighter can receive.
At Las Ventas, one does not simply perform: one is examined before the most demanding audience in the world.
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions
Why is it called the San Isidro Fair?
The fair takes its name from San Isidro Labrador, Madrid’s patron saint, whose feast day is celebrated on May 15. The bullfighting cycle is scheduled around these dates as part of the city’s patron saint festivities.
When is the San Isidro Fair 2026?
The San Isidro Fair 2026 takes place from May 8 to June 14, with a total of 31 events at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas.
How many bullfights are there at San Isidro?
The 2026 edition includes 21 bullfights, 3 novilladas with picadors and 2 rejoneo events, as well as special dates such as the Charity Bullfight, the Press Bullfight and the In Memoriam event.
Why is Las Ventas called the “Cathedral of Bullfighting”?
Because of its capacity, its historical tradition, the demanding nature of its audience and the worldwide impact of its afternoons. Triumphing at Las Ventas is considered the highest recognition a bullfighter can aspire to.
What is a paseíllo?
It is the opening parade of each event: the cuadrillas cross the ring while saluting the presidency. It marks the official start of the bullfight and is a solemn moment full of symbolism and tradition.
Can I visit the bullring outside the fair?
Yes. The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas offers cultural visits all year round with Las Ventas Tour: a route through the ring, the stands, the Bullfighting Museum and 360º Virtual Reality experiences with audio guides in several languages.