Bullring of Valladolid
The bullring of Valladolid
Located in the heart of Castilla y León, the Plaza de Toros of Valladolid is more than just a bullring; it is a living symbol of the passion and tradition that define the culture of this region. Its historical significance, unique architecture, and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for aficionados of bullfighting and those eager to explore Spain’s cultural heritage.
The Plaza de Toros of Valladolid hosts two of the city’s most important fairs:
- San Pedro Regalado Fair (May): A celebration in honour of the patron saint of bullfighters, blending art, devotion, and spectacle.
- Nuestra Señora de San Lorenzo Fair (September): The most prominent bullfighting event of the year, featuring the greatest figures in the bullfighting world and drawing thousands of spectators.
These fairs are much more than bullfights; they represent the soul of Valladolid, intertwining tradition, culture, and celebration in an unparalleled atmosphere.
Charles I of Spain (Charles V): In July 1527, during the festivities organised in Valladolid to celebrate the birth of the emperor's heir, Charles V fought a bull in the square of Valladolid.
History of the Valladolid Bullring
The history of bullfighting in Valladolid is deeply rooted, with records of bullfighting events dating back to 1527, when Charles I of Spain (Charles V) fought a bull in the city during celebrations for the birth of his son, the future Philip II. This event stands out not only for its historical uniqueness but also as an example of how the monarch sought to gain the admiration and loyalty of his subjects through symbolic gestures and public spectacles.
On that occasion, a bullfight was organised in his honour in Valladolid’s Plaza Mayor, which was temporarily transformed into a bullring, a common practice in cities that did not yet have permanent bullrings. Charles V, armed with a lance and on horseback, faced the bull as a demonstration of courage and skill—qualities highly valued among the nobility of the time.
Bullfighting in Valladolid thus began in the Plaza Mayor. However, the growing popularity of the tradition led to the construction of the “Viejo Coso” in the 19th century, an octagonal bullring whose former boxes are now private residences. Yet, the city’s passion for bullfighting demanded a larger, more modern venue.
In 1888, the Sociedad Taurina de Valladolid, S.A., was founded with the aim of creating a bullring befitting the city’s significance. The new bullring was designed by architect Teodosio Torres and inaugurated on 20 September 1890 with a stellar line-up: Rafael Molina “Lagartijo,” Manuel García “El Espartero,” and Rafael Guerra “Guerrita,” fighting bulls from the Marqués de Saltillo. The first bull, “Aguilillo,” made history, and its mounted head is still preserved in the bullring’s offices.
The Bullring of Valladolid, known as the 'Coso del Paseo Zorrilla'
Architecture
The Valladolid Bullring is a masterpiece of 19th-century bullfighting architecture. Its 50-sided polygonal design combines masonry, brick, and ashlar plinths, while the doors and barriers are crafted from wood, and cast iron decorates the arches of the upper levels.
- Capacity: Classified as a second-category bullring, it features 15 rows of stone seating, lower stands, boxes, and upper stands.
- Dimensions: The arena has a diameter of 50 metres, and the passageway (callejón) measures 2 metres wide.
INTERESTING FACTS The Valladolid Bullring in numbers
Second Category
Capacity
Subscribers
Bullfights per year
Bullfighting of steers per year
When is the San Pedro Regalado Bullfighting Festival Held?
The San Pedro Regalado Bullfighting Festival takes place in May, around May 13th, the feast day of San Pedro Regalado, the patron saint of Valladolid and bullfighters. This event is part of the broader festivities honouring San Pedro Regalado, featuring a diverse programme of activities spanning several days. While the bullfighting events are the highlight, the celebrations also include musical and folkloric activities, capturing the festive spirit of the city.
San Pedro Regalado was born in 1390 in Valladolid, in the Plaza del Ochavo. He was known by his family surnames: Regalado, from his father, and de la Costanilla, from his mother. From a young age, he demonstrated a life of devotion and religious dedication, accompanying Friar Pedro de Villacreces on his travels and founding convents. He was ordained as a priest at the age of 22, and after the death of Friar Villacreces, he was appointed provincial vicar in 1422. His reputation for sanctity grew rapidly, and his tomb at the Sanctuary of La Aguilera was visited by Queen Isabella I of Castile in 1493.
San Pedro Regalado was beatified in 1683 and canonised in 1746. In 1951, he was proclaimed the patron saint of bullfighters following a miracle involving a runaway bull. In 1952, the Valladolid City Council established the prestigious San Pedro Regalado Trophy, a highly esteemed award in the bullfighting world.
This festival is thus an opportunity to honour both the religious figure of San Pedro Regalado and Valladolid’s deep-rooted bullfighting tradition.
When is the Nuestra Señora de San Lorenzo Bullfighting Festival Held?
The Nuestra Señora de San Lorenzo Bullfighting Festival takes place every September, around the 8th, during the vibrant festivities honouring Valladolid’s patron saint. This event features four bullfights, one rejoneo (mounted bullfighting), and several minor festivities, all steeped in tradition within the city.
Over the ten days of the festival, Valladolid comes alive with a rich programme of events, including theatre performances, fireworks displays, popular concerts, gastronomic tastings, the Feria de Día (Day Fair), and artisanal exhibitions. Bullfighting remains one of the main attractions of the celebration.
The origin of the image of Nuestra Señora de San Lorenzo dates back to a legend believed to have occurred between the 11th and 12th centuries. A clergyman brought the Virgin of Consuegra statue to Valladolid to protect it from Muslim invaders. After being hidden for some time, a shepherd discovered the statue in a cave near the Pisuerga River, close to the Puerta de Aguadores (Water Bearers’ Gate). For this reason, the Virgin was initially known as the Virgin of the Water Bearers before being moved to a chapel dedicated to Saint Lawrence (San Lorenzo), where she became recognised as the Virgin of San Lorenzo.
The image of the Virgin of San Lorenzo, dating from the latter half of the 14th century, was canonically crowned on 21 October 1917 and declared the patron saint of Valladolid. Since then, her feast day on 8 September has marked one of the city’s most anticipated and vibrant festivals.
How to get to the Plaza de Toros de Valladolid?
The square is centrally located, accessible from different parts of the city:
- Address: Paseo de Zorrilla, 49, Valladolid.
- Public transport: Bus lines connecting with the whole city.
- By car: Easy access with parking options nearby.
- On foot: Ideal for those who wish to stroll along the Paseo de Zorrilla and enjoy the urban environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all children over the age of 4 are required to pay the full adult ticket price.
The policy regarding food entry varies depending on the event organiser. We recommend checking this information directly at the box office of the Bullring before attending.
The event organisers reserve all image and intellectual property rights. Therefore, recording or taking photos (with or without flash) during the bullfight is prohibited.
Access to the venue is available 2 hours before the start of the show. We recommend arriving in good time to avoid crowds and to find your seat in peace and quiet.
For safety reasons and out of respect for the event, spectators are not allowed to enter or leave their seats during the bullfight.
Tickets are sent in PDF format to the email address used for the purchase. They must be printed at home and presented in physical form at the entrance. Please note that organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not present their printed ticket.