Las Ventas and Bullfighting in Spain

Our morning on this Thursday started similarly to days prior as we all met at the Hotel Regina’s breakfast buffet. Each morning there were numerous foods set out for guests to enjoy, far too many to count. Options ranged from fresh fruit to churros with chocolate sauce, and even multiple espresso machines available to use. The espresso came in especially handy on days like today where we ventured far to explore the roots behind Madrid. After breakfast, it was time to take the metro over to Las Ventas, the largest bullfighting ring in all of Spain.

Travelling to the ring was a breeze, as we only needed to travel six stops on the red line from Sevilla station, located next to the hotel. This led us to Ventas station, a hub that connected with the blue line as well. In fact, the blue line was constructed with Las Ventas directly in the center as a way to ensure patrons could find transportation to the ring. This fact was given to us by our amazing tour guide who met us at the gates of Las Ventas with a big smile and lots to share. The gates themselves were incredible to see as the ring’s Arabic influence made itself known through the large and geometrically intriguing brick walls and arches.

As we continued inside the ring our tour guide ensured that we saw all there is to see! We traveled up the steep staircases to the highest seats in the arena, and walked through the center of the ring where the magic happens. While travelling between locations the guide shared her vast knowledge of the ring with us, detailing how the sport works, legends of the sport, Spanish cultural ties to bullfighting, the ways in which bulls are raised and acquired, the bullfighting season, and much more. Unfortunately, the time for bullfights had not yet started and we were unable to witness the action in person. We learned that the season of bullfighting runs from March 23rd to October 18th with a bullfight every Sunday, and during the month of May it’s an everyday occurrence where typically three fights will happen every 24 hours! We continued with the tour focusing more on the history of bullfighting, and ending in the Las Ventas museum, where original artifacts such as matador outfits, capes, swords, portraits, and even heads of deceased bulls could be found.

Time To Feast

After departing from Las Ventas, a large group of us visited Cesar Las Ventas, a restaurant right across the street from the ring that was recommended to us by the tour guide. They offered large portions of Rabo de Toro (Oxtail), a delicacy which the majority of us were trying for the first time. The restaurant’s decor was impressive, with a heavy bullfighting influence and numerous plaques with the heads of famous bulls of the past. A program played on the TV screens showcasing many bullfighting fails and injuries through the years. Seeing these events recounted helped to put the cultural importance of the sport into perspective as we watched, awestruck, as the matadors put everything on the line. The arrival of our food brought us out of this trance, and everyone began to dig in!

Flamenco

After digesting and recuperating at the hotel, the group set out around dinnertime heading to Las Carboneras, where we witnessed authentic Flamenco dancing first-hand. The show was invigorating from start to finish, and it was so hard to look away that only a few pictures were captured. Each artist had their own style and rhythm whenever they’d take the lead, and they somehow managed to combine their skills into the perfect show even without rehearsals or a plan to go on! In fact, they informed us at the end that nearly 90% of the show is improvised. Traditional Flamenco like this is a beautiful form of art, and being able to experience it in such an up-close and personal manner is a memory that I’ll never forget.

End of The Night

After leaving the Flamenco show, everyone took a few moments to pick their jaws up off the floor as we enjoyed the vibe that the cobblestone streets and bustling nightlife of Madrid brought. A group of us smelled something tasty around the corner, where we found El Mercado de San Miguel. There we found a multitude of people enjoying food, drinks, and each other’s company. We added to the crowd, trying different items like empanadas, queso y pan, jamon Iberico, and more! This was a perfect end to the night as we reflected on a day that had opened our eyes further to the wonders that Madrid has to offer. The history, people, cuisine, and culture of Madrid can be compared to no others. The city welcomed us with open arms, and in doing the same, we shared experiences and made memories that I would not trade for anything. Our time in Madrid went by far too quickly, though each day left us fulfilled and uncovering new details about this magical place as well as ourselves. I encourage anyone and everyone to explore the world as far and wide as possible, and to cherish experiences like this one that can grant a completely different perspective on life as we know it. I feel as though a piece of Madrid has followed me home, and I’ll hold on to that for as long as I can.