The 2026 San Mateo Bullfighting Fair in Logroño is set to be one of the major attractions of the autumn bullfighting season, masterfully combining the art of some of the world’s leading bullfighters with an exceptional cultural, gastronomic and wine experience.
Adding even more significance to this year’s event is the 25th anniversary of the inauguration of La Ribera Bullring. The San Mateo programme, which will take place from 20 to 23 September, offers a superb four-fight season ticket package, bringing together tradition, emerging talent and some of the most interesting names in the world of bullfighting.
One of the great advantages of the Logroño fair is undoubtedly the peace of mind it offers spectators. The beginning of autumn often brings unpredictable weather, which can be a concern for both professionals and spectators at outdoor venues. However, La Ribera has a modern covered structure that provides protection from rain and wind.
In Logroño, spectators can therefore arrive at the bullring with just one thing to worry about: enjoying what happens in the arena. The covered venue helps ensure that the bullfights can go ahead while providing greater comfort for everyone in the stands.
San Mateo 2026 Bullfighting Programme in Detail
The company BMF Toros has put together a first-class four-day programme showcasing some of the finest bullfighting talent:
Sunday 20 September (6:00 pm) | Equestrian Bullfight – Rejoneo
The fair opens with the spectacular art of rejoneo, a form of bullfighting performed on horseback, featuring an impressive Portuguese bull run from Romão Tenório.
Taking part will be local Riojan rider Sergio Domínguez, leading figure Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, and Salamanca-born Sergio Pérez de Gregorio, who will make his debut at this bullring.
Monday 21 September (6:00 pm) | Bullfight
The main San Mateo celebration features a highly anticipated line-up with bulls from the prestigious Juan Pedro Domecq breeding ranch.
Local favourite Diego Urdiales will share the arena with undisputed world star Andrés Roca Rey and one of Aragón’s most promising young bullfighters, Aarón Palacio.
It is a meeting of experience, tradition and emerging talent, bringing together three generations and three very different styles.
Tuesday 22 September (6:00 pm) | Bullfight Competition Between Breeding Ranches
One of the highlights of the entire programme will be the bullfight competition between breeding ranches, in which six prestigious Spanish ganaderías —breeding ranches specialising in fighting bulls— will compete:
Garcigrande, Alcurrucén, Ventana del Puerto, Domingo Hernández, García Jiménez and Carmen Lorenzo.
Facing this demanding challenge will be the renowned Sevillian bullfighter Morante de la Puebla, the highly experienced Alejandro Talavante, and young local star Fabio Jiménez, from nearby Alfaro.
For international visitors, this type of competition offers a particularly interesting insight into one of the defining aspects of Spanish bullfighting: the importance of the fighting bull’s breeding, character and bravery.
Wednesday 23 September (6:00 pm) | Bullfight
The season ticket programme concludes with a serious and powerful bullfight featuring bulls from the prestigious Fuente Ymbro breeding ranch.
The line-up includes acclaimed bullfighter Daniel Luque, one of the standout performers at Spain’s major fairs, Borja Jiménez, and talented Mexican bullfighter Diego San Román.
It promises to be a fitting finale to four consecutive afternoons of bullfighting at La Ribera.
The official programme continues on Friday 25 September with the “Maestros de la Calle” Bull Leaping and Recortes Competition, together with the traditional free morning bull runs, which add to the festive atmosphere throughout San Mateo.
The Perfect Combination: Logroño During San Mateo
Visiting Logroño during San Mateo is about much more than going to the bullfights. It is an opportunity to experience the very essence of La Rioja’s capital at its liveliest time of year, coinciding with the Rioja Grape Harvest Festival.
Logroño welcomes visitors with its famously warm and friendly atmosphere, summed up by the slogan of its festival: “Nobody in Logroño feels like a stranger.”
For visitors from abroad, the bullfighting experience naturally extends beyond the bullring. Just a short distance away, the legendary Calle Laurel and Calle San Juan offer some of the city’s most famous culinary experiences.
These lively streets are renowned for their pintxos, small portions of food that allow visitors to sample a wide variety of local flavours. Each one is a miniature work of culinary art, best enjoyed alongside some of the finest wines from the DOCa Rioja wine region.
During these celebrations, Logroño also offers a wide range of cultural activities, including unique exhibitions such as “70 Years of San Mateo Posters” at the Antigua Estación, walks along the River Ebro and urban wine-tasting experiences that make a visit to the city a feast for all five senses.
From the shelter of La Ribera to the vibrant atmosphere of a city celebrating wine, tradition and joy, Logroño opens its doors to everyone who wants to discover the excitement of Spanish bullfighting.
Don’t let autumn clouds put you off or unpredictable weather dampen your enthusiasm. Come to La Ribera, experience the excitement of bullfighting without worrying about the weather, applaud the stars of the arena and make September 2026 an unforgettable experience.
See you at the bullring!
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