Bilbao: Where Tradition Leads

Bilbao is a city of distinction. It has always carried an air of elegance, but since the early 21st century — with the transformation of its estuary and riverbanks — the capital of Biscay has stepped firmly into modernity. Architectural landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum and the new San Mamés stadium are clear signs of a city that has shaken off its industrial past to take its place among Europe’s most vibrant urban centres.

Today, Bilbao is far more than its ironworks heritage. Historical buildings like the Arriaga Theatre and iconic spots like the Artxanda viewpoint (and funicular) shape its identity. The Vista Alegre bullring, a key part of Bilbao’s monumental architecture, is no exception. Following its 2019 refurbishment, the venue is now a modern, versatile space designed to host more than just bullfighting events. But in August, Bilbao becomes Aste Nagusia — the city’s “Big Week” — and during Aste Nagusia, the Corridas Generales are a highlight of national significance.

This year, the bullfighting series will take place from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 August. The programme includes one novillada picada (a bullfight with young bulls and novice matadors) and five full corridas de toros, upholding Bilbao’s reputation for quality and prestige.

Festivities begin on Monday 18 August with a novillada featuring bulls from La Purísima for three promising talents: Sergio Sánchez, Javier Zulueta, and Martín Morilla — all standout names among the rising stars.

On Tuesday 19 August, the bulls of Dolores Aguirre — returning triumphant from past seasons — will challenge a youthful trio: Damián Castaño, Juan Leal, and Jesús Enrique Colombo.

Wednesday 20 August promises a treat for aficionados of traditional bull breeds: bulls from La Quinta (of the Santa Coloma line) for Emilio de Justo and Borja Jiménez, plus two bulls from Fermín Bohórquez for the accomplished rejoneador Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, fresh off a rare and celebrated rabo (tail) award in Pamplona’s San Fermín fair.

The core of the fair unfolds on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August. On Thursday, Victoriano del Río bulls are matched with Juan Ortega, Roca Rey, and Pablo Aguado. Friday features Garcigrande bulls for Morante de la Puebla, Alejandro Talavante, and Borja Jiménez. These two days bring together the top stars of the moment, the most exciting newcomers, and a rich variety of styles.

The Corridas Generales conclude on Saturday 23 August with bulls from Fuente Ymbro for three toreros with powerful Bilbao connections: Paco Ureña, who has a deep personal history with this ring; Fortes, the Málaga native who took his alternativa here and has triumphed this season in Madrid, Pamplona, and at home; and Fernando Adrián, also a standout in this year’s major fairs.

This is a well-balanced, first-class programme — ideal for discovering a cosmopolitan city while enjoying a fair steeped in tradition, intensity, and unmistakable Basque character, on both sides of the Ría.