Madrid is the most important city in Spain when it comes to bullfighting. However, neighboring cities, like San Sebastián de los Reyes, also offer interesting shows in which this strong animal is the main attraction. Asidet from buying your bullfighting tickets for Las Ventas bullring in Madrid, in this article you will discover other alternatives and ways to enjoy this tradition.
The running of the bulls is an event full of passion and risk. The most famous one in the world is San Fermin, in the city of Pamplona, in the north of Spain. Madrid also has a popular running of the bulls that you can enjoy. We are talking about the one of San Sebastián de los Reyes, called the ‘Little Pamplona’.
This running of the bulls, in Spanish, is called Encierros, and can be seen in late August for an entire week. The central streets of the city become a crowded path in which young people and brave bulls run together, showing their bravery and their speed. In total 820 meters, it begins in Leopeldo Gimeno Street and finishes in the municipal bullring. Ambulances and emergency services are scattered about the whole path.
Do I need bullfighting tickets for the running of the bulls?
If you want to attend the running of the bulls in San Sebastián de los Reyes, you may ask yourself if its free or if you will need to purchase tickets. Unlike the shows in Las Ventas bullring in Madrid, you don’t need to buy a ticket, as it takes place along the streets of the city. If you want to have a good point of view from your place, you should get there a couple of hours before it begins, as it is usually crowded, especially on weekends.
Apart from the running of the bulls, there are many other activities in San Sebastián de los Reyes during this time.. The bulls that run in the morning are killed in the afternoon in a popular bullfight, which gathers some of the most important bullfighters of the world. Beyond that, the bars of the city always offer you a lively atmosphere, where you can try local products, like wine and sangría.
Concerts, competitions and theater plays complete the program of this festivity, which can proudly boast to be one of the most popular in the Community of Madrid and one of the most important in Spain regarding bullfighting.