León: A Fair as Majestic as Its Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santa María de Regla is León’s most iconic landmark. This breathtaking Gothic structure defines a city renowned for its monumental beauty and its role as a meeting point for curious travellers and Camino de Santiago pilgrims alike. And while bullfighting may not bring in crowds in the same numbers, it certainly draws passionate aficionados.

Among all the provincial capital fairs that take place at the beginning of summer, León’s is the shortest. Just two events — yet the prestigious Casa Matilla has assembled an impressive line-up, ensuring that this compact but powerful programme is every bit as impressive as the grand cathedral it metaphorically rivals.

The fair begins on Saturday 21st June with a rejoneo (equestrian bullfight) featuring Diego Ventura, the undisputed figurehead of modern rejoneo. He will be joined by two riders who, despite their youth, are already considered veterans of the art: Sergio Galán and Leonardo Hernández. The bulls for this spectacle come from the renowned Soto de la Fuente ranch.

The following day, Sunday 22nd June, sees a classic corrida de toros in the El Parque bullring. The headliner is none other than José Antonio Morante de la Puebla, a magnet for fans of classic, elegant bullfighting. The genius from La Puebla del Río is currently at the peak of his artistic form, as seen recently in the rings of Seville and Jerez. Alongside him are two crowd-pleasers: David Fandila “El Fandi”, famous for his spectacular performances in the banderillas, and Cayetano, who is on his farewell tour and will bid goodbye to León’s audience in this appearance. The bulls will come from Hermanos García Jiménez, who also manage the León bullring.

But man does not live on bullfighting alone. The San Juan Fair 2025 is also the perfect reason to visit this jewel of a city, nestled in north-western Spain, near the border with the Principality of Asturias. Besides the awe-inspiring cathedral — a must-see for its world-famous stained-glass windows — visitors should explore the Basilica of San Isidoro, one of Spain’s most important Romanesque churches, and the Monastery of San Marcos, a masterpiece of Plateresque and Renaissance architecture. Other essential sights include the Palacio de los Guzmanes, the Palacio del Conde Luna, and the Casa Botines, a modernist building designed by none other than Antoni Gaudí — all officially recognised as Sites of Cultural Interest.

For bullfighting fans, León’s bullring — known as El Coso de El Parque — is another highlight. Originally built in 1948 and completely refurbished in 2000, including the addition of a roof, it is now known as the León Arena. It stands out as one of the most comfortable bullrings in Spain, with individual plastic seats with backrests, far removed from the hard concrete or stone benches of other venues.

The venue is also multi-purpose, hosting not only bullfights but basketball and handball matches, political rallies, concerts, cultural events, conventions, and private functions.

No visit to León would be complete without a stroll through the Barrio Húmedo, the city’s lively tapas district. It’s the perfect end to a weekend that blends culture, bullfighting, and gastronomy — a harmonious trio that continues to enrich the spirit and satisfy the senses.