Colmenar Viejo: The Best Fair in the Community of Madrid

Colmenar Viejo has always been bullfighting country. Initially due to tradition, and later due to its geographical location. Or perhaps the other way around—it hardly matters in this case. The truth is that since the 18th century, it has been a land of livestock traditions, home to the ranches that most frequently supplied bulls to Madrid’s bullring before the Industrial Revolution improved communications and bulls from other regions began to appear in the capital’s ring.

This is why bullfighting in Colmenar is a tradition that goes beyond a passing trend. This town, located at the foothills of the Sierra, has always hosted bullfighting spectacles in various locations until they were finally established at La Corredera, where a bullring was built. Over time, this bullring has been renovated in stages, evolving into the current structure, the largest in the province, excluding Las Ventas and Vistalegre, the two main venues in the capital where such events are held.

Colmenar Viejo’s proximity to Madrid and its network of transport links mean that the same aficionados who frequent Las Ventas also attend the La Corredera bullring, and vice versa. As a result, the line-ups in Colmenar are in no way inferior to those presented in Las Ventas.

In 2024, the program includes three bullfights and two novilladas (bullfights with young bulls). The fair opens on Saturday, August 24th, with a line-up of bullfighters who were either born or trained in Colmenar. Some, like Miguel de Pablo, are locals; others, like Ángel Sánchez, were trained at its bullfighting school; and others, like Francisco de Manuel, have been connected to the town since the early stages of their careers. The three of them will face bulls from Buenavista, a top-tier ranch offering a significant opportunity for all three.

On Sunday, August 25th, and Monday, August 26th, it’s the turn of the big names. On the first day, Alejandro Talavante, Daniel Luque, and Pablo Aguado will take on bulls from Montalvo, while on Monday, August 26th, Sebastián Castella, José María Manzanares, and Ginés Marín will face bulls from Núñez del Cuvillo. These are two high-profile line-ups, comparable to any major fair, and just half an hour from the capital.

On Tuesday, August 27th, and Wednesday, August 28th, it’s time for the novilladas. On the first day, six young bulls from Portugal’s Ribeiro Telles will be fought by local novice David López and two rising stars, Alejandro Chicharro, also trained at the local school, and Sevillian Javier Zulueta. The fair closes on the 28th with a novillada without picadors featuring Francisco Benito, Marco Polope, and Jorge Hurtado, with bulls from Sánchez Fabrés, an exciting prospect for true bullfighting enthusiasts. After all, Colmenar is, and proudly remains, one of the strongholds where the bull is revered and honoured—a tradition that defines it.