Bilbao: The Prestige of Vista Alegre and Why This Is the North’s Must-See Season

Watching bullfights in Bilbao is an experience defined by tradition, dignity and solemnity. The knowledgeable spectators at Vista Alegre are renowned for their deep respect for the ritual of bullfighting, maintaining complete silence during the muleta work and demanding the highest standards of integrity from both the bulls and the spectacle.

In Bilbao, the fighting bulls are presented with exceptional size, strength and presence, featuring impressive horns and outstanding physical condition. Success in this arena carries enormous prestige, as Bilbao’s demanding but fair-minded crowd rewards only performances of genuine quality and total commitment.

The season opens on Sunday 23 August with a major rejón bullfight featuring bulls from Romão Tenorio for Sergio Galán, Lea Vicens and Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza. The opening event brings together Galán’s experience and classical style, Lea Vicens’ elegance and consistency, and the spectacular talent of the young Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza.

After Monday’s break, the bullfighting programme resumes on Tuesday 25 August with one of the fair’s most eagerly anticipated contests: a mano a mano between Antonio Ferrera and Damián Castaño against the feared bulls of Dolores Aguirre. It promises to be one of the toughest and most authentic challenges of the week, with Ferrera’s experience facing Castaño’s courage before one of Spain’s most respected breeding operations.

On Wednesday 26 August, the spotlight turns to the La Quinta bulls, famous for demanding precision, timing and technical skill. The line-up features Emilio de Justo, a recognised specialist with this bloodline, alongside the charismatic Román and Tomás Rufo, who arrives in Bilbao after his recent success at the San Fermín Fair in Pamplona.

The artistic highlight of the season comes on Thursday 27 August, when bulls from Victoriano del Río will be fought by Diego Urdiales, Alejandro Talavante and Andrés Roca Rey. This outstanding combination brings together Urdiales’ classic purity, Talavante’s creative brilliance and the extraordinary power and charisma of the Peruvian star.

The intensity continues on Friday 28 August, when bulls from Domingo Hernández will be faced by Sebastián Castella, David de Miranda and the highly anticipated Marco Pérez, who will make his debut at Bilbao’s prestigious arena. The card blends proven experience with one of Spanish bullfighting’s brightest young talents.

The Corridas Generales conclude in spectacular fashion on Saturday 29 August with bulls from Garcigrande for Morante de la Puebla, Daniel Luque and Borja Jiménez. Morante’s artistry, Luque’s outstanding current form and Jiménez’s return as last year’s great Bilbao hero provide a fitting climax to the season. It was Jiménez’s remarkable pardon of a bull in 2025 that inspired this year’s official poster.

The programme is further strengthened by the 5th Iván Fandiño Memorial, featuring two novilladas without picadors held as practical training contests with free admission. The semi-final will take place on 24 August, with the grand final on 30 August, helping to promote the next generation of bullfighters while honouring the memory of the much-missed matador from Orduña.

For all these reasons, Bilbao’s Semana Grande once again stands out as one of the finest destinations in the bullfighting calendar, where culture, tradition and the fighting bull come together in an exceptional setting. Bullfighting enthusiasts from across Spain and around the world have every reason to travel north, enjoy Bilbao’s famous gastronomy and vibrant atmosphere, and experience an unforgettable afternoon at the historic Vista Alegre Bullring.

Don’t just hear about it—experience it for yourself. Feel the atmosphere of one of Spain’s most respected bullrings and become part of a fair that continues to embody the true values of seriousness, emotion and timeless bullfighting tradition.